Member-only story
The Evolution of Product Design in the Age of AI
Stepping Beyond Cookie-Cutter Solutions
Tech is evolving at breakneck speed, and product design is racing to keep up. The combination of economic pressures and major advancements in AI has shifted design work away from simple, predictable solutions toward more dynamic, innovative approaches. As designers, we’re now asked to think beyond “just making it work.” Our challenge is to create smart, distinct solutions that genuinely stand out. Let’s look at how this shift is happening and why it matters for us as designers.
Why efficiency & creativity are the “New” essentials
Today, businesses need to produce more, produce faster, and do it all on tighter budgets. That’s where AI steps in, offering us ways to tackle tasks with unprecedented speed and precision. For example, AI tools now support engineering by generating code, which lets engineers focus more on refining and supervising quality rather than building from scratch. This efficiency-focused mindset is reshaping product design, too: we’re moving from repetitive design tasks to high-level, creative problem-solving.
(Stevens, 2024)
How AI is saping modern Product Design
AI’s role in design goes far beyond speeding up visuals; it’s a new partner in the creative process, especially in early stages. Imagine beginning a project with an AI-generated set of initial concepts based on real user data and current trends. Rather than staring at a blank page, we have a starting point to refine and customize. As designers, our job becomes guiding these ideas, adding the unique spark and purpose that only human creativity brings.
This AI partnership means that companies will value designers who can think independently and creatively, leading the entire user experience from start to finish. Our work isn’t about individual buttons or icons anymore; it’s about weaving a seamless, intuitive experience that aligns with both user needs and business goals.
(Philips)
The Designer as the new Art Director
Product designers are starting to take on roles that resemble art direction, where we’re responsible…
