Global Scans · Design · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Design thinking will increasingly play a key role in improving systems and customer experiences. Companies will re-learn their approach to innovation and embrace human-centred design principles. Designers will begin to apply knowledge of human interaction, specifically in the area of how we earn trust and respect, to AI systems.

• [New] By 2026, accessibility first UX design will be non-negotiable. Medium
• [New] In 2026, emotion driven UX design will become a core component of human centered UX design. Medium
• [New] Users will talk to software instead of navigating complex menus, dramatically improving UX design best practices 2026. Medium
• [New] In 2026, the design of websites and applications will be guided by user behaviour patterns, emotional intelligence, accessibility, practicality, and most importantly how effectively UX design with AI delivers personalized value. Medium
• [New] At CES 2026, xTool will introduce AImake, the world's first AI crafting agent designed to serve as an intelligent creative partner for laser and crafting users. The AI Journal
• [New] Infineon Technologies and Flex will launch a zone controller development kit at CES 2026, designed to accelerate the development of software-defined vehicle (SDV) electrical and electronic architectures. Automotive World
• [New] The German supplier will debut a planetary gear actuator developed specifically for humanoid robots, combining a two-stage planetary gearbox, electric motor, encoder, and controller in a compact unit designed and manufactured entirely in-house. Automotive World
• [New] By 2026, adoption of semiconductors specifically designed for AI and computer vision is expected to increase, optimizing performance and energy consumption. Asesoftware
• [New] By 2026, AI leadership will belong to companies that treat intelligence as infrastructure, not magic-designed, monitored, and improved like any other critical system. Tech Startups - Tech News, Tech Trends & Startup Fundin
• [New] About 70% of fashion retailers plan to increase AI investments within the next two years to strengthen personalization and tech-driven shopping experiences. Fashion Theory Magazine
• [New] IMD experts expect circularity, AI-enabled energy systems, and sustainable design to take center stage. IMD business school for management and leadership cours
• [New] Projects such as Dubai Design District, Palm Jebel Ali, and future phases of Dubai Islands are expected to launch from 2026 onwards. Khaleej Times
• [New] The Tranche 3 Tracking Layer is designed to expand SDA's capacity to detect, track, and provide fire-control-quality data on advanced missile threats, including hypersonic weapons, using a proliferated constellation in low Earth orbit. Space War
• [New] Prediction: The narrative that runtime detection can supersede identity and posture analysis will rapidly lose steam in 2026. Tenable
• [New] The 2025 hype that runtime detection is the only thing that matters and could replace posture or identity analysis will fade in 2026. CIO&Leader
• [New] The U.S. is attempting to unify counter-drone defences for military bases and critical infrastructure with the Golden Dome missile defence architecture, signaling recognition that small UAS threats now require homeland-level integrated air defence responses. Drone Warfare
• [New] The BNATCS architecture decisions in 2026-2027 will either enable or cripple autonomous UAS integration for the next two decades, creating a narrow window for semiconductor-aviation alignment. Drone Warfare
• [New] Russia and peer competitors will likely accelerate development of saturation attack capabilities, hypersonic systems, and electronic warfare countermeasures specifically designed to overwhelm layered defences. Drone Warfare
• Design-led innovation, digital embedding of operations, and tech-savvy leadership will redefine India's manufacturing rise. ET Edge Insights - The New Paradigm of Business Intelli
• India's vision of design-led, digitally powered, made-for-the-world will ensure a leadership stake in global value chains. ET Edge Insights - The New Paradigm of Business Intelli
• The 2026 MacBook Pro represents a significant step forward in portable computing, combining innovative display technology, innovative features, and a refined design. Geeky gadgets
• In conclusion, the next three years will redefine plastics and injection molding through AI-driven autonomy, mono-material design, circular economy solutions, and integrated digital platforms. 3D Natives

Last updated: 05 January 2026