TL;DR:
Automated design solutions and AI-generated content are becoming increasingly prevalent, making it even more crucial for designers to distinguish themselves through exceptional work.
The landscape of visual design has undergone a remarkable transformation, setting the bar higher than ever before. This evolution can be attributed to several factors, one of the most significant being the widespread adoption of standardized design systems and established interaction patterns.
These frameworks have streamlined the design process, enabling a more consistent and efficient creation of digital products. However, this standardization has also introduced new challenges and opportunities for designers.
The Rise of Standardization in Design
Design systems, such as Google's Material Design and Apple's Human Interface Guidelines, have provided a blueprint for creating cohesive and user-friendly interfaces. These systems offer a set of principles, components, and best practices that ensure a seamless user experience across various platforms and devices. As a result, designers no longer have to reinvent the wheel for every project. Instead, they can leverage these established patterns to build interfaces that are familiar and intuitive to users.
While this standardization has many benefits, it has also led to a saturation of designs that, although functional, often lack originality and creativity. Many designers, particularly those new to the field, may find themselves heavily relying on these systems, resulting in work that is technically sound but not necessarily innovative or distinctive.
The Influx of Designers and the Creativity Challenge
The democratization of design tools and resources has lowered the barriers to entry into the design profession. Platforms like Figma, Sketch, and Adobe XD, along with UX design cohorts and abundant online tutorials and courses, have empowered a new generation of designers. However, while these tools and resources provide the technical skills needed to create interfaces, they do not necessarily cultivate the artistic sensibility required for exceptional design.
This has led to a scenario where many designers can proficiently execute the mechanics of design but struggle to infuse their work with creativity, quality, and taste. The ability to follow guidelines and use tools effectively is not enough to stand out in today's competitive landscape. What sets a designer apart is their capacity to think beyond the established norms, solve problems effectively, and create designs that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
To thrive in this environment, designers must go beyond the basics and invest in developing their craft. This involves a deep understanding of design principles, a keen eye for detail, and a relentless pursuit of creative excellence.
The Exceptional Designer in the Age of AI Tools
As design tools continue to advance, mediocre design can be easily achieved with minimal effort. To prepare for the era of AI-generated UI, designers must strive for excellence as average design can be easily achieved with automation. It's essential for designers to elevate their work beyond the ordinary. Those who can't design will find it challenging in a world where competence alone is insufficient.
Becoming outstanding involves mastering the tools and techniques, but also pushing creative and innovative boundaries. Aim to create designs that emotionally resonate with users, blending functionality and artistry. This approach will help you become better at product thinking and problem solving, critical skills in the age of AI.
Leveraging product thinking in the age of AI
Firstly, product thinking allows you to understand your product from a holistic perspective. It goes beyond just designing visually appealing interfaces and delves into the underlying functionality, user experience, and overall value proposition of the product. This enables you to create solutions that are not only beautiful but also functional, user-friendly, and aligned with the users' needs.
Secondly, product thinking promotes a focus on the end user. It pushes you to consider the user's perspective, understand their challenges, desires, and motivations, and design solutions that address these factors. This user-centric approach is crucial in the era of AI, where personalization and user experience are key differentiators.
lastly, product thinking encourages innovation. It pushes you to think beyond the established norms, question existing paradigms, and explore new possibilities. In the age of AI, where technology is rapidly evolving and disrupting traditional ways of doing things, this ability to think outside the box becomes a valuable asset.
Leveraging product thinking in the age of AI not only equips you with a comprehensive understanding of your product but also empowers you to create innovative, user-centric, and collaborative solutions that stand out in the competitive landscape.