The 2016 Design In Tech Report highlights the increasing importance of design in the tech industry, noting a significant rise in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) involving design firms and the growing recognition of design's impact on business outcomes. The report indicates that designer co-founded startups are gaining more funding and presence, with 36% of top startups having designer co-founders, an increase from 20% in 2015. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for design education to evolve to meet the technology industry's demand for data-oriented and business-savvy graduates.