Hybrid Growth Strategy Drives UX Investment Plans
Organizations are betting on a hybrid approach to UX capacity, planning to expand both internal teams and external partnerships simultaneously. This dual investment strategy reflects confidence in UX's growing importance and recognition that demand exceeds current capabilities.
The 2026 resourcing plans show decisive expansion across both hiring models. Two-thirds of organizations (66%) plan to increase external UX partnerships and consultants, while just over half (51%) intend to grow internal UX teams. The fact that many organizations plan both approaches suggests they view internal and external resources as complementary rather than competitive: internal teams for core capabilities and ongoing work, external partners for specialized skills and surge capacity.
Contraction remains minimal. Only 11% plan to decrease internal UX resources, while just 3% expect to reduce external partnerships. This 6-to-1 ratio of expansion versus contraction signals sustained organizational commitment to UX investment regardless of economic conditions.
Budget protection reinforces this investment pattern. When facing market uncertainty, 55% of organizations prioritize and protect UX and design investments rather than cutting them. Another 31% reallocate budget to other core operations, while only 9% pause or reduce UX spending entirely. The data suggests UX has achieved "a protected status" similar to other essential business functions during economic downturns.
Looking ahead five years, organizations expect UX to further cement its strategic position. 42% believe UX will become a core business function like sales or engineering, while 34% see it remaining essential but secondary to product or marketing. Only 18% expect significant automation to reduce UX importance, and just 3% anticipate AI making UX less relevant.
The long-term outlook indicates most organizations view current AI integration as an enhancement rather than a replacement of human UX capabilities.
UX Capabilities Show Maturity Across Traditional and Emerging Areas
