Global design platform Canva said on the 14th that as artificial intelligence (AI) technology is applied across design, "imperfect by design" has taken hold as a new standard for creation.
Canva introduced 10 design trends in its Third Annual Design Trends Report for 2026, published that day. The report said, "Creators are embracing AI's powerful capabilities, yet still value the 'human touch' that makes design more personal and meaningful," and noted, "As AI technology levels up the baseline of design, 'visual authenticity' has now emerged as the most powerful differentiator."
The report was compiled based on analysis of Canva's design search and activity data, expert opinions from the Canva Design Advisory Board, and a survey of 1,000 creators in the United States and Brazil.
Eighty percent of creators who took part in the survey answered, "2026 will be the year we reclaim creative leadership." The report explained, "This is not a rejection of AI, but an intention to use AI proactively to express one's unique taste and individuality."
In fact, 77% of creators who participated in the survey said they see AI as an "essential partner."
Cat van der Werff, Canva's executive creative director, said, "As more creators use AI to express themselves visually, 2026 will be a time when 'imperfect by design,' which perfectly harmonizes AI and human imagination, becomes more important than ever."