Seeking Rare

An UX designer I worked with a long time ago, recently shared a long rant about the AI generated design. In D's opinion , generative AI tools, including new ones like those in Figma, can be useful, but they don’t replace the need to understand the design process. True design begins with a clear goal and involves thoughtful exploration and refinement, which AI often skips by jumping straight to a finished result. This shortcut can undermine creativity and the critical thinking that shapes strong design outcomes. Ultimately, while AI can assist, it’s the designer’s own understanding and intent—the “why” behind every decision—that drives meaningful results. The tool is just a tool; real intelligence comes from the designer.

I have some sympathy for his cause but not a whole lot. The "real intelligence" that D speaks of is not abundantly available in the UX community. A lot of folks I have worked with over the years follow the design process like it was a guarantee of outcome. As long as the full battery of artifacts are deployed, we will arrive at the right answer seems to be the thinking which is extraordinarily flawed. I have had designers go through days and weeks of such sessions and not produced deliverables that are in no way better than what AI can produce these days. 

There are those that do bring something special to the table and I have had the privilege of working with them as well. These folks are able to simplify and distill very complex ideas into something elegant, intuitive and simple and they can do this just listening to users closely, asking them thoughtful questions along the way, no frills, no involving works-shops. The first version of their concept can even be pen and paper. But they get it right. AI can take those rough notes and expert direction to execute, save them the mundane work. D may not like to hear this said about his beloved design community but the truth is real talent that cannot be replaced by AI is rare and that caliber of talent will not get displaced.