For over a year there have been discussions in every industry about the role of AI in the workplace. Mainly these concerns are about whether or not it an going to take away our jobs? So far, no one is likely to be able to answer this question clearly, so I’ll throw in a quote that I think hints a little at the answer.

AI won’t replace designers. A designer using AI—will” — Ioana Teleanu, Senior Product Designer, AI w Miro

What is this AI?

Rather than type the term into Google for a concrete definition. I decided to ask one of the available models (ChatGPT) to tell us about it:

„Artificial intelligence is a field of computer science that focuses on creating computer systems that can exhibit characteristics normally reserved for human thinking and intelligence. It involves creating computer programmes that can solve problems, make decisions, learn from experience and perform tasks that normally require human intelligence.„

Not everyone may be aware of this, but we use AI sometimes without even knowing it. Spam filters in an email inbox, recommendations dropped off by Netflix or Instagram, voice assistants. All of these solutions use AI.

When it comes to UI, UX design, you have to remember that a lot of things are changing. ChatGPT and other AI systems are introducing the third user interface paradigm in the history of computing. This is the first new interaction model in over 60 years. It represents a shift towards a new interaction mechanism. Users simply tell the computer what they want, rather than how to do it.

How to use Artificial intelligence in the work of a UX/UI designer?

The impact of AI on UI/UX design is huge. From automating repetitive tasks to generating creative concepts. The use of AI in design not only streamlines work, but also allows for higher levels of creativity and innovation.

How can AI be applied to user experience and web interface design ? A key advantage of using artificial intelligence is its ability to analyse vast amounts of user data and draw practical conclusions from it, which can improve the user experience. Thanks to AI, it is possible to identify patterns of behaviour, preferences and problems, which designers may not pay attention to. As a result, solutions are offered that are more tailored to users’ needs and expectations. In addition, we can use it to generate design ideas by inputting design tasks and goals, and then receiving relevant suggestions through to UX and UI testing.

The previously quoted Ioana Teleanu talks about how to use AI in the UX design process. She presented a graphic in which we find different AI tools tailored to the UX design process. But ⚠️☝️ she mentions one key element to understanding this illustration: the human is at the centre of the process. 🔑 It is the designer who organises how these tools come together and when. The designer decides what kind of AI support is valuable and reliable at each stage of the design process.

What about UI designers? In this case, we have considerable control over when and where we could use AI.

It has happened to every one of us to use the traditional ‘Lorem Ipsum’ in graphic design projects, as a quick way of indicating that there will be text in a particular place when there is not yet specific data to be entered into the page or application. And even though this is not a highly recommended technique, we still find such projects. Using tools like ChatGPT to generate text helps create more contextual and engaging content. This can make a significant difference in the user experience. When space for content is limited, you can ask ChatGPT to generate text with a specific character count. More and more graphic design programs are now incorporating AI. Whether you use them is entirely up to you. We can quickly remove an element from a photo or replace it with another by typing in the appropriate prompt. Generate a vector or a pattern in Illustrator, and use defocus or deepen the background blur in Lightroom. What’s more, we can generate logos, graphics, icons all with the help of AI. The generated designs can help designers get beyond their mental blocks and explore different design possibilities and concepts.

AI tools for designers

• Khroma: uses AI using the user’s colour preferences and creates colour palettes from them, ensuring visual consistency in designs.
• Galileo AI: a text-to-UI platform that enables the creation of personalised user interfaces tailored to a project’s unique needs.
• GeniousUI: revolutionises UI design by generating AI-powered components to create more personalised and engaging user interfaces.
• Uizard: an AI tool designed for prototyping. Simplifies the UI design process for mobile apps and websites.
• Midjourney: used to create images, including web interfaces. This tool is ideal for brainstorming and creating original content and prototypes.
• Dora AI: a platform with which you can create interactive websites with advanced AI animation and 3D interaction.

Challenges and limitations

Despite the many advantages of using AI in UX/UI design, some challenges and limitations need to be addressed.

UNESCO has spoken in particular about the potential impact of AI on culture, education, science, communication and information provision, particularly in relation to digital divide issues. Artificial intelligence may widen the gap between those who can and those who cannot use new digital technologies, leading to increased inequalities in access to information. In the context of the creative industries, the collaboration between intelligent algorithms and human creativity could ultimately bring serious challenges to artists’ rights.

One might think that authorship of AI works belongs to those who develop the algorithms that drive the artworks. There are many questions about the copyright of such projects, which can pose serious challenges for many companies and individuals who want to use them. The lack of clear regulation on this issue could lead to disputes and problems in the future.

The issues of pirating and originality need special attention and careful definition. We need to be aware of how easily AI technologies can be accessed and used in the wrong hands. AI systems are now becoming very competent at creating fake images, videos, conversations and all kinds of content. Consequently, other AI-based methods are also being developed that can, with some success, detect these fakes.

AI-designed graphics are often not adapted to different formats and applications. They may look good on a computer screen, but not present themselves appropriately on business cards, letterheads or advertising materials. The lack of scalability and versatility can hinder its effective use in different contexts.AI can be a very helpful tool for generating many ideas for graphics, designs, and prototypes. However, it is important to remember that AI cannot replace the creativity and experience of a professional designer.