If you’ve ever tried an AI tool to speed up your design work and ended up more frustrated than inspired, you know how tricky it can be. AI offers exciting possibilities, but it’s still a tool - the thoughtful work of a designer is what makes an experience truly human.

AI as a Creative Partner

For me, AI isn’t about doing the job for me. It’s about giving me a jumpstart: generating layout ideas, drafting copy, or exploring different approaches in minutes instead of hours. It’s like having a creative partner that never sleeps - but it’s still my job to shape, refine, and make sense of it all.

The real value comes when AI helps me move through repetitive or early-stage tasks faster. That way, I can focus my energy where it matters: thinking about the user, simplifying flows, and making sure the experience feels effortless.

Where AI Falls Short

AI is fast, but speed doesn’t always equal sense.

AI struggles with the things that make design feel human. Complex navigation, consistent systems, nuanced interactions – these are still things only a designer can handle. For example, I once tested an AI tool for a multi-step checkout process. It generated something functional, but the logic was inconsistent and confusing. That’s a perfect example of where human judgment and iteration are essential.

Sometimes, AI spits out something that almost works. And almost is not enough. UX is about making things feel intuitive, not just functional. That’s something only a person can do.

Designing for a World with AI

The most exciting part? Designing for a world where AI is part of the experience. It’s like having a super-fast intern who can try a hundred ideas at once - but still needs your guidance to make sense of them.

AI can speed things up, spark ideas, or handle the boring stuff, but it’s still up to us to make things feel simple, clear, and human. Because no AI, however smart, can replace the feeling of a design that just clicks.