I wanted to start a discussion on how AI is influencing and often enhancing the design process.
As designers, we’ve traditionally relied on manual ideation, sketching, and illustration. But with the rise of tools like DALL·E, Midjourney, Adobe Firefly, and AI-powered features in Figma and Photoshop, the creative workflow is evolving fast.
Here are a few ways I’ve seen (or used) AI to help in design:
Rapid concept generation – Using AI to brainstorm visuals or color schemes
Personalization at scale – Creating tailored assets for different audiences
Two years ago, when AI-generated illustrations were still relatively new to the public, I based an entire ad campaign around AI imagery, as the look was appropriate for marketing the project, an inventor’s fair. It worked out well, but since then, the novelty has worn off, and at least three clients have told me they want an authentic look without AI-generated images.
Since then, I’ve often used Adobe Photoshop’s generative features for simple tasks, such as extending a background, but many of its AI features still aren’t ready to do what I need them to do.
In brand development, I’ve found AI LLMs to be increasingly useful for conducting basic research into various industries. What might have taken a couple of days digging into a subject can often be accomplished in a tenth of the time. It’s like having an expert on every subject waiting to answer every question, explore every permutation of the subject, and tell me everything they know. I find this increasingly invaluable.
What I haven’t found valuable yet is using AI for visual design ideation. For me, that’s still a matter of relying on my design education and decades of experience. AI doesn’t seem capable of handling that yet. For example, brainstorming visuals or color schemes that you mentioned is still better done in my head or on paper. I can see it being more useful for an amateur who believes that graphic design is mainly about creating visually appealing designs. But for me, that’s only part of the process. AI hasn’t yet understood the unique nuances involved in blending aesthetics with workable solutions to address unique client problems, at least for now.
Rapid concept generation – Using AI to brainstorm visuals or color schemes
Personalization at scale – Creating tailored assets for different audiences
Smart editing tools – Quick background removal, upscaling, or layout adjustments
Data-driven design – A/B testing creatives and adjusting based on performance insights