Leverage AI-Enabled Tools For Design

With the availability of several high-profile and sometimes controversial AI tools in the past 8-12 months, much of the focus and enthusiasm centers around the far-reaching impact (both good and bad) these tools will have. At the same time, while lacking sophistication, the AI tools available today still offer ways to streamline and automate routine tasks in new ways. As a designer, I welcome the day I no longer have to generate copy for instructional prompts in mock-ups and prototypes or spend hours searching for the perfect stock image that conveys the idea in my head. AI tools, such as chatGPT, midjourney, Removebg, andColormind, automate routine design tasks, generating copy, creating custom images, automated image editing, and compiling color palettes with ease and limited know-how. Here are a few examples of leveraging these tools’ power to improve productivity and workflow.

• Use ChatGPT to generate details to include within user personas and to research potential characteristics to assist in developing user stories.

• Even with access to Adobe Stock images, sometimes more than generic stock is needed. Were you looking for something unique? In comes AI-generated imagery via midjourney. Input prompts or upload reference images; Midjourney will craft your masterpiece without requiring talent.

• While Photoshop enables endless image editing and composition capabilities, even with extensive knowledge and experience, creating custom masks and clipping paths can be time-consuming. While limited, Removebg does its one trick seamlessly and in 5 seconds, as advertised. The AI-powered tool quickly removes unwanted backgrounds of images to create an isolated subject.

In the near term, these tools can save designers time and allow them to focus on more complex aspects of any design process. These tools also begin to make evident the potential of human and machine collaboration in their ability to streamline or automate routine tasks and personalize the user experience, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the design process.

Inspiration & Further Reading

Allen, Ryan. (2023, January, 22). Exploring Practical Benefits of A.I. Generated Images for UI/UX Product Designers. Medium.

Dennis, Steve. (2022, December 28). How designers can start using AI at work today. UX Collective.

Humble, Jeff. (2023, January 5). How to Use Chat GPT in Your Design Process: 11 Advanced UX Tasks. The Fountain Institute.

Thalion. (2023, January 21). How to use chatGPT for UI/UX design: 25 examples. Prototypr.