When the world is changing the game of design, can we find ways to adapt with it?
SUMMER 2024
In this project I delved into the world of generative AI, specifically using tools like Gemini and ChatGPT, to enhance the UX design process. The goal was to create a mobile application that would help users find and book dog walkers in their local area. This project not only allowed me to explore how AI could assist in the early stages of design but also helped me better understand its limitations and potential.
To kickstart my journey, I enrolled in a Skillshare course titled AI-Powered UX Mastery: From Prompts to Figma Prototypes, led by Katerina Liebich Blik. This course provided invaluable insights into integrating generative AI into the UX design process. Katerina introduced key principles for crafting effective prompts, emphasising Clarity, Specificity, and Imagination. These principles became the cornerstone of my approach as I began to conceptualise the dog-walking app. The course also provided a Wireframing Blueprint Kit, which I used to quickly create lo-fi mockups, offering a structured way to translate my ideas into visual representations.
💡 Using Generative AI for Ideation and User Flow Development
Generative AI proved to be an incredible source of inspiration, especially in the ideation phase. With Gemini and ChatGPT, I could generate initial user flows by inputting detailed information about potential user needs and pain points identified from existing dog-walking apps. This process was invaluable for brainstorming and exploring various possibilities for the app’s functionality. AI helped me think outside the box and consider features that could enhance user experience. I used AI suggestions as a baseline, iterating on them to refine and improve the app's usability and intuitiveness.
🔑 Moving Beyond Suggestions
While AI was instrumental in generating ideas, I quickly realized that its outputs needed refinement to align with my design vision. Developing high-fidelity mockups required experimenting with different elements beyond what AI suggested. I had to tweak layouts, add color schemes, and select suitable typefaces to ensure the app was aesthetically pleasing and functional. The course which initiated this project focused primarily on low-fidelity designs, so this part involved a lot of trial and error. The most efficient approach was to use AI-generated insights as a starting point, upon which I could layer my creativity to craft designs that truly resonated with potential users.
⚖️ Balancing AI and Human Creativity
One of the critical insights I gained was the importance of balancing AI-generated content with personal creativity. AI offered a structured foundation, but integrating my own design sensibilities led to the most compelling outcomes. This approach allowed me to produce designs that not only met functional requirements but also created an engaging and intuitive user experience. Combining AI insights with a human touch was essential in creating a product that felt unique and tailored to user needs.
While AI was instrumental in generating ideas, I quickly realized that its outputs needed refinement to align with my design vision. Developing high-fidelity mockups required experimenting with different elements beyond what AI suggested. I had to tweak layouts, add color schemes, and select suitable typefaces to ensure the app was aesthetically pleasing and functional. The course which initiated this project focused primarily on low-fidelity designs, so this part involved a lot of trial and error. The most efficient approach was to use AI-generated insights as a starting point, upon which I could layer my creativity to craft designs that truly resonated with potential users.
⚖️ Balancing AI and Human Creativity
One of the critical insights I gained was the importance of balancing AI-generated content with personal creativity. AI offered a structured foundation, but integrating my own design sensibilities led to the most compelling outcomes. This approach allowed me to produce designs that not only met functional requirements but also created an engaging and intuitive user experience. Combining AI insights with a human touch was essential in creating a product that felt unique and tailored to user needs.
⚓️ Limitations of Using Generative AI in UX Design
Despite its advantages, there were notable limitations to using generative AI. One significant challenge was the lack of reliable references. AI-generated information needed to be verified, which required additional research and validation. Additionally, achieving outputs that precisely matched my vision was time-consuming, as the AI often needed multiple iterations to align with specific design goals. This highlighted the importance of using AI as a source of inspiration rather than a definitive template. It’s crucial to view AI suggestions as a springboard for creativity, not as a finished product.
Despite its advantages, there were notable limitations to using generative AI. One significant challenge was the lack of reliable references. AI-generated information needed to be verified, which required additional research and validation. Additionally, achieving outputs that precisely matched my vision was time-consuming, as the AI often needed multiple iterations to align with specific design goals. This highlighted the importance of using AI as a source of inspiration rather than a definitive template. It’s crucial to view AI suggestions as a springboard for creativity, not as a finished product.
︎The final testable prototype of this stage of the project ︎
Final Thoughts 💭️
This project was a transformative experience, shedding light on the evolving role of AI in UX design. While AI tools like Gemini and ChatGPT will not replace designers, they serve as powerful allies in the creative process. They provide a solid foundation for ideation, user flow development, and problem-solving, enabling designers to focus on fine-tuning and personalising user experiences. As AI continues to develop, its integration into UX design will likely become even more seamless, offering endless possibilities for innovation and user-centered design.
All text on this project page was written with the help of ChatGPT.