AI, human needs, and better design.

‘Marc Newson designs a smart phone’ Image by Tim Clark via DALL-E

RECENTLY, I was asked about my opinion regarding AI and its effects on product design. I am no AI expert, yet it’s clear that AI is here to stay. Its powerful impact is felt even now. And companies need to develop AI-use strategies, now.

Yet, designing for human needs will always be paramount.

“I do not think (AI) technology can replace human connection the way I understand it.” — Sam Altman, CEO, OpenAI

That said, change is accelerating.

What does that mean for companies? User expectations will heighten rapidly. Products will be expected to solve meaningful problems, simply. And these stories must be told powerfully and truthfully. Only then will products have the strength to cut through.

‘Marc Newson designs a beach ball’ Image by Tim Clark via DALL-E

Steve Jobs famously said that “(c)reativity is just connecting things.” AI will be a brilliant tool for this.

Yet in the same quote, Jobs goes on to say: “The broader one’s understanding of the human experience, the better design we will have.” This remains true — humans are the critical link for design, and for directing AI to solve human needs.

Change is here, embrace it. Yet those who also double-down on human-centered design will thrive.