The notion that specialisation is overrated has been gaining traction in the tech world, particularly where design and engineering intersect. The advice "go deep, not wide" made intuitive sense in an industrial era dominated by one-person machines and singular skills. However, in today’s software landscape, the notion of specialists waiting in their lanes is obsolete.

Software development, unlike assembly lines, thrives on diversity of thought. The most successful projects I’ve been a part of were crafted by small teams of generalists. These teams possessed the flexibility to seamlessly transition between various challenges, driven by a shared purpose and mutual respect.

Consider this: a designer is struggling with a complex UI problem? No problem. An engineer can step in and take over the Figma file, translating design into code with ease. Or imagine an engineer overwhelmed with a daunting CSS task. The designer, having a background in the language, steps in and refines the styles with precision. Such dynamic collaboration ensures no bottlenecks. Nobody is waiting, nobody is blocked. Just a continuous flow of creation.

This is why I firmly believe that Design Engineering is not just a role to aspire to but a mindset to embrace. This approach has far-reaching implications. It challenges traditional hierarchies, fostering environments where innovation flourishes. It encourages teams to be more adaptable, responsive to the ever-changing demands of user needs. The tech industry, starved of boundary-crossing thinkers, desperately needs more people willing to move beyond their comfort zones.

In my experience, fostering this mindset requires more than just individual skill enhancement; it demands systemic change. Organisations must encourage cross-functional collaboration, dismantle silos, and cultivate environments that celebrate diverse expertise. This shift won’t happen overnight, but the future belongs to those who dare to challenge the status quo.

As I’ve developed a course (opens in new tab) to help others adopt this mindset, I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of such an approach. By dismantling barriers between disciplines, we unlock a wellspring of creativity and problem-solving potential. The time for specialisation is over. It’s time to realise that the future lies in the seamless integration of diverse skills and perspectives.

This is not just a call for change but a call to action. I urge fellow professionals to embrace this new way of working, to see the potential for greatness in collaboration, and to lead by example. The future is bright for those who dare to cross boundaries and create with an open mind.