The democratization of software engineering has undoubtedly improved it by fueling the field with more potential engineers to collaborate and solve problems. Drawing a comparison between engineering and design, prominent designer Khoi Vinh argues that Fiverr, Canva, or 99designs are not “embodiments of a systematic undervaluing of design.” Rather, he argues they allow people from non-traditional design backgrounds to participate in the process.

Vinh’s argument lines up with my experience. For one, I welcome tools like Canva that that help non-designers solve everyday visual problems. Visual problems are real problems with consequences, and it’s best for society if we deal with them as efficiently as possible.

Beyond that, the more designers, the better. It keeps the field alive! Many exciting designers I know of are not from the advanced economies where prestigious design schools live. Many of them also started out getting work from freelancing sites—like Fiverr. Without such sites, I wouldn’t have benefited from their contributions to the design process.