Viewing future quarters under the Platform Consolidation Swallows the Field worldview. One or two vertically integrated platforms — combining design canvas, generative models, code output, and distribution — capture the majority of design workflow. Specialization and tool-switching cost collapses as the integrated suite becomes 'good enough' across all functions. The design tool market resembles productivity software: a duopoly with thin margins and high switching costs.
Editor notes
48 synthesized monthsin the data layer. Stage breakdowns (Starter / Scaler / Titan) are available for 2026 only — earlier months show under the All segment but won’t appear under stage filters until the design-context pipeline runs further back.