Canva, a visual communications design platform, has released its Design Trends for 2026, pointing to a growing focus on authenticity as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more common in creative work.
The trends are based on insights from Canva’s Design Advisory Board, a survey of 1,000 creators in the United States and Brazil, and usage data from more than 260 million creators on the platform. The findings show that while AI is speeding up how content is made, creators are placing more value on work that feels real and human.
For Filipino brands and creators, the challenge is adapting to AI without losing the local tone and emotion that connect with audiences. As AI tools become part of everyday workflows, the report suggests that overly polished designs are giving way to visuals that feel more personal and expressive.
“AI is accelerating how Filipinos create, but it’s human emotion that keeps the work meaningful. We’re seeing creators embrace designs that feel imperfect, expressive, and deeply personal, and that’s becoming the new creative edge in 2026,” said Angelo Cuyegkeng, design lead, Canva Philippines.
This shift is shown in a creative approach Canva refers to as “Imperfect by Design,” where creators intentionally allow rough edges and emotional cues to show. The goal is to make designs feel more relatable rather than machine-perfect.
AI is now widely used in creative work. According to the data, 49% of creators use AI tools weekly, while 30% use them daily. This shows that AI is no longer just an experiment but a regular part of how designs are produced.
Among the visual trends identified for 2026 is Reality Warp, which features bold and surreal visuals often powered by AI. These designs are meant to catch attention and support self-expression. Other trends include Drama Club and Prompt Playground, which highlight how creators are experimenting with AI to turn technical or structured formats into more playful outputs.
Canva also noted an increase in searches related to lo-fi styles, motion collage, and retro-tech looks, which grew by nearly 49%. At the same time, interest in simpler visuals has not disappeared. Searches for “clean layout,” “serif,” and “simple branding” increased 54% year over year, reaching 45 million impressions on the platform.
As automation continues to expand, the report suggests that designs that feel honest and human may stand out most. For Filipino creators and brands, the focus for 2026 is using AI with care, while keeping creativity, emotion, and authenticity at the center of their work.