
The Future of Design: Embracing the Shift to AI Experiences
Design is evolving. Just as responsive design revolutionized web development in the 2000s, we’re now on the cusp of a similar seismic shift—this time driven by generative AI. Organizations, designers, and technologists must adapt to this new frontier or risk being left behind.
Through my experiences in product design and strategy, I’ve come to believe that we’re witnessing the birth of a new design role that most organizations don’t yet realize they need: AI Experience Designers. Let me explain why this role is critical and what it means for the future of design.
Learning from the Rise of Responsive Design
The rise of generative AI reminds me of the early days of responsive design. Back in the late 2000s, the idea of building websites that worked seamlessly on both computers and mobile devices was often dismissed as a costly fad. Many designers clung to their pixel-perfect layouts, designing for fixed screen sizes like 780px or 990px.
Organizations feared losing control of the user experience. The result? Costly rebuilds down the road and missed opportunities. Mobile sites were seen as restrictive, slow, and boring. This resistance stemmed from a limited mindset, failing to see the transformative potential of designing for smaller, dynamic screens.
Generative AI is facing a similar resistance today. Initial reactions have ranged from intrigue to skepticism: “That’s cool, but is it practical?” Some organizations remain hesitant to invest in AI-powered solutions, fearing high costs or the risk of chasing another passing trend. Yet, companies like Glean, which embraced AI early, are seeing significant growth because they recognized its potential.
Enter the AI Experience Designer
This brings us to the emerging role of the AI Experience Designer—a designer focused on reimagining how users interact with products in an AI-driven world.
Unlike traditional UX designers, who primarily design screens and flows, AI Experience Designers start by asking a deeper question: What does this problem truly need?
Their responsibilities would include:
• Defining the problem: Uncovering the underlying need users are expressing, not just what they say they want. For example, instead of users asking for “a chatbot on every page,” the true need might be “a seamless assistant that can access and act on all information.”
• Reimagining interactions: Moving beyond screens to design AI-powered experiences like voice, gestures, or personalized automation.
• Collaborating with technology teams: Ensuring AI capabilities, such as natural language processing or predictive analytics, align with user needs and delight.
• Prototyping new paradigms: Testing and iterating on innovative experiences that feel intuitive, efficient, and impactful.
• Educating stakeholders: Helping organizations recognize the potential of AI-driven solutions and advocating for bold, user-first strategies.
From Dashboards to Conversations
Take reporting platforms as an example. Most dashboards today force users to sift through charts and graphs, interpreting data on their own. But what if we flipped this?
Imagine an AI-powered assistant that could provide instant insights. Instead of navigating filters and menus, users could simply ask, “What were our top-performing products last quarter?” and receive a detailed response, supported by dynamic charts if needed.
This isn’t just adding a chatbot to an existing platform; it’s a reimagining of the entire experience. It’s faster, more intuitive, and eliminates guesswork.
The Broader Potential of AI Design
AI Experience Designers won’t just be solving problems for reporting tools—they’ll redefine entire industries.
For example:
• Workplace Efficiency: Imagine wearing smart glasses with an AI assistant tailored to your role. A dental assistant could confirm appointments, prepare invoices, and communicate with colleagues—all without glancing at a monitor.
• Entertainment: AI could personalize sports highlights based on your preferences. Love the Toronto Maple Leafs and big plays? An AI tool could deliver a custom highlight reel of only the most exciting moments from the latest game, ready to share on social media.
• Hyper-Personalized Experiences: Whether in retail, healthcare, or education, AI will allow users to interact with products and services in ways we haven’t yet imagined.
Why This Role Matters
Some might argue that designing for AI isn’t new; it’s just an extension of understanding user needs. But I’d counter with Henry Ford’s famous quote: “If I asked people what they wanted, they would have said a faster horse.”
Users often don’t know what’s possible. It’s up to AI Experience Designers to turn those underlying desires—“I want to go faster”—into transformative solutions like the automobile.
With AI, the expectations for personalized, engaging, and seamless experiences will only grow. Organizations that embrace this shift now, investing in dedicated AI Experience Designers, will lead the way.
A Call to Action
The future of design is more exciting—and challenging—than ever before. As AI reshapes how we work, interact, and consume, it’s up to designers, technologists, and business leaders to envision bold new possibilities.
The question is no longer if AI will change design—it’s how. And I believe the answer lies in this new breed of design professionals.
What do you think? How do you see AI shaping the future of design in your field? Let’s start the conversation.
Andrew Kelly’s Digital Garden Newsletter
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