AIGA’s Design Leaders Confidence Index increased nearly thre points in the third quarter of 2010, consistent with levels in October 2009. In rating the current design economy as compared to six months ago, 43% of the design leaders surveyed believed it was better; 47% about the same; and only 10% rated it as worse.
This relative optimism defies the broader trends in the economy. The Conference Board Measure of CEO ConfidenceTM, which was unchanged in the second quarter of 2010, declined in the third quarter. The measure now reads 50, down from 62 last quarter (a reading of more than 50 points reflects more positive than negative responses). Less than one third of respondents say conditions have improved compared to six months ago.
Of surveyed design leaders, 58% estimated that the economy will be better six months from now; 37% expected it to be the same; and only 5% believed it would be worse.
The next Design Leaders Confidence Index survey will be conducted in mid-January 2011. For more information on the methodology of the survey, visit aiga.org/confidence-index.
