Hasta La Ideas

The design economy is holding steady, according to AIGA‘s quarterly survey of design leaders. The Design Leaders Confidence Index—which reflects the responses of hundreds of design leaders to questions concerning business conditions, hiring, and purchasing—stands at 96.13, which is lower than the past three quarters, but comparable to pre-recession levels. After a significant drop of confidence beginning in July 2007, confidence rose to an all-time high of 103.73 in April of this year. The current reading is still quite positive, noted AIGA in a statement released today, and the drop is not inconsistent with either the general understanding of business conditions (sustained unemployment, companies’ reticence to part with cash) or other indices, such as the American Institute of Architects’ monthly Architecture Billings Index. Just under half (45%) of design leaders surveyed reported that they are more likely to invest in equipment purchases compared with the previous quarter, while 31% believe they are more likely to hire staff. Meanwhile, 47% percent believe the design economy is stronger today than six months ago, and 53% percent believe conditions will be even better in six months. Of course, the index might not reflect the views of the most pessimistic design leaders, who were too busy selling gently used office equipment on eBay to complete their surveys.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.