AI is transforming industries worldwide, and design is no exception. At WebExpo 2024, Philip Bonhard tackled the pressing question on every designer’s mind: “Do we even need designers in the age of AI?” Phil, the Head of Experience Design for Homes and Mortgages at Lloyds Banking Group, shared insights on how designers can navigate this rapidly evolving landscape and harness AI to enhance, rather than replace, their craft.
The AI revolution: A brief history
Philip began his talk with a historical overview of AI’s development, highlighting key moments to understand its current capabilities. From the creation of neural networks to services like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, AI has evolved to perform tasks once thought exclusive to human intelligence. Philip noted, “Artificial intelligence is not the same thing as machine learning… Within that, you have deep learning. So this is where you get into the specialised stuff”.
This evolution became more pronounced in the 2020s, with breakthroughs such as Google’s AlphaGo and the rise of machine learning. As these technologies matured, so did their application in fields like design, where AI can now generate everything from first drafts of research questions to entire UI prototypes.
AI and creativity: A harmonious relationship
A central theme of Philip’s talk was the role of AI in augmenting creativity rather than stifling it. He argued that while AI can automate mundane tasks, it lacks the context and intuition inherent in human designers. “Gen AI doesn’t create something fundamentally new”, Philip stated. “It actually only creates something new based on the stuff it has learned”, acknowledging the limitations and biases in AI-generated content.
Despite these limitations, AI offers opportunities to expand a designer’s toolkit. For instance, with AI’s ability to rapidly iterate design concepts, Philip posed the question, “Who loves basic wireframing?” suggesting that while repetitive tasks might be delegated to AI, the real creative and strategic thinking still lies with the human designer.
Embracing AI: Skills for the future
Philip emphasised that designers who learn to integrate AI into their workflow will be invaluable in the job market. He offered practical advice and solutions for incorporating AI into various aspects of design, from user research to visual design. For example, AI can streamline user research by transcribing and summarising data, allowing designers to focus on deeper insights and context that AI may miss.
In terms of elevating design work, Philip encouraged designers to experiment with AI tools and learn how to prompt effectively, stating, “The more content, the more detail you give in the prompt, the better the result”. By mastering these new technologies, designers can amplify their productivity and stay ahead of the curve in an AI-driven world.
Designing with AI: A new paradigm
Looking toward the future, Philip highlighted the shifting landscape of UX with the advent of multimodal interactions, including voice interfaces. He passionately urged designers to rethink their approach, saying, “As designers, we really need to relearn our craft… So think about how you design it, how you can incorporate good UX into your product.”
AI will inevitably change how designers work, but it also presents a thrilling opportunity for growth and innovation. By leveraging AI’s capabilities, designers can eliminate repetitive tasks and focus on what truly matters: crafting user experiences that resonate.
Curious to learn more? Watch the full video recording including presentation slides to explore all the insights and ideas shared by Philip.