According to new research from Canva, AI-assisted coding tools are becoming standard practice in software development, but technology leaders are stressing that human oversight remains critical to ensuring quality, security, and accountability.
The research, which surveyed 300 technology decision-makers across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, also showed that while adoption is widespread, there is still broad agreement that AI must be paired with rigorous human review before code reaches production.
Canva survey: AI adoption nearly universal
The study revealed that 92% of organizations are already using AI-assisted coding tools, with 78% of developers relying on them daily.
Adoption is set to grow further, as two-thirds (66%) of respondents expect their organization’s use of AI coding to increase significantly over the next 12 months. Productivity gains were cited as the top driver of adoption, with 64% saying AI accelerates development.
Speed and flexibility, but with caveats
Tech leaders highlighted the benefits of AI in software engineering, including rapid prototyping, exploration of new ideas, and generating first drafts of code. These capabilities allow teams to move faster, experiment more, and lower the cost of iteration.
However, concerns remain about unchecked use. Nearly all respondents (95%) identified risks in deploying AI-generated code without review, particularly around maintainability, security, and long-term quality.
Human review still the gatekeeper
Despite growing reliance on AI, human judgment continues to play a central role. Ninety-three percent of technology leaders said AI-generated code is always or often peer reviewed before merging into production systems. Governance structures reflect this priority, with 58% placing ultimate responsibility for AI use at the CTO or CIO level.
Canva CTO Brendan Humphreys emphasized the balance between innovation and responsibility, saying, “AI in engineering is a real disruptive change that can’t be ignored. The engineers who will thrive in this new era are adopting AI to enhance their thinking and output, not replace it. They’re bringing creativity, critical thinking, and a deep sense of ownership. That’s how organizations will move fast, innovate, and build responsibly.”
Developer skills in transition
The survey also points to a shift in the developer skillset. Almost all respondents (94%) believe AI tools are reshaping the role of engineers, with 95% expressing comfort with candidates using AI during technical interviews.
At the same time, caution persists. About a third (30%) flagged over-reliance on AI without developer accountability as their biggest concern, while one in five (21%) worried that junior engineers may lose opportunities to build foundational skills.
Key takeaways from the Canva survey
- 92% of organizations report using AI-assisted coding tools.
- 93% say AI-generated code is peer reviewed before production.
- 95% are comfortable with job candidates using AI in interviews.
- 30% cite over-reliance on AI as their top concern.
The findings underscore a balancing act for enterprises: embracing AI for speed and innovation while reinforcing governance and accountability.
Leaders see AI not as a replacement for human developers, but as a tool that amplifies their creativity and efficiency — provided strong review processes remain in place. For more insights into Canva’s stance on the use of AI-coding tools during technical interviews, read this blog here.
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Methodology
Canva’s findings are based on a global survey of 300 full-time technology decision-makers across six countries: the United States (n=50), the United Kingdom (n=50), Germany (n=50), France (n=50), India (n=50) and Australia (n=50). Canva conducted this research in August 2025 using an online survey coordinated by Method Communications and distributed by Watermelon Research.
About Canva
Launched in 2013, Canva is the world’s leading all-in-one platform for visual communication and collaboration. Built to empower everyone to design, Canva serves the creative and design needs of enterprises, small businesses, consumers, and students in more than 190 countries worldwide. Whether you’re a novice taking your first steps in design, or a creative professional seeking powerful tools, Canva ensures users have what they need to transform an idea into something beautiful. Underpinned by the world’s most comprehensive library of designer-made content, Canva is powered by a suite of products and proprietary AI tools that elevate how individuals and teams create, collaborate, and communicate with ease.
