Will AI Replace Designers? Nope

And Here’s Why Creative Humans Are About to Thrive More Than Ever 

First day of Web Summit

The biggest question everyone is asking nowadays “Will AI replace designers?”. I’ll admit it’s something I think about a lot as a designer myself. I know companies are currently using AI to design all sorts of things now and it is officially apart of our lives whether or not we like it. 

I met Jenny Hoyos, She is a huge influencer with over 10 million followers on youtube. I love that she is young 20 years old and a female. Her content is around creating an archetype then having a hook to keep people watching.

My Web Summit reality check

I’ve wanted to write about this topic for a while but decided to wait after doing some research and also attending Web Summit in Lisbon. I went to a lot of talks focused on AI and heard opinions of thought leaders, influencers, and people who are head of marketing for large companies around the world. 

Through all of the talks and topics one main point I got was “creatives will use AI for tasks but not for the actual creative work”. Even tech experts constantly emphasized human taste and storytelling when marketing. This was actually a gut feeling I was thinking for a while but wanted to actually hear it before sharing. I truly believe because of AI we are craving real human words, real human art, and real human connection now more that ever. 

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You can also notice it in trends, yes social media sites like Instagram are still growing but the data shows how much it is slowing down and less people are using it. It’s an overwhelming platform that will either have to evolve or die out. 

Life is about community and feeling like your apart of something. Check out my friend Christiane who does video journalism and story telling here

On the other hand in person events such as concerts, tech events, or joining groups in person or online are growing. We are craving emotional connection and a feeling of being apart of something. I found another article talking about it here.

They also mentioned actual studies proving that chatting with AI doesn’t give you the emotional feeling a person gets after having a conversation with someone online or in person. It is just not able to do it. (I’m looking at you; people who use AI as a therapist or a friend!) I have a few articles around it here and here.

What AI is actually great for 

AI is so useful and we need to accept it into our world because it’s not going anywhere. The places I see AI being used is in tedious tasks, brainstorming, reading long documents, tedious tasks, basically being your assistant. 

Creepy AI image

What AI Cannot Replace

The main thing AI cannot replace is human connection and this is where we all can shine as artists and creators. We understand emotional storytelling not just a number in a bar graph. We can build our own magical world based on our own personal experiences that have shaped us to who we are today. We can use artistic intuition, something that can never be coded into a machine, it’s our own special human trait. We can build real human connection with clients that trust us and our abilities from who we are and what we represent. Lastly we can relate to other people based on past experiences which in turn can build trust and connection. Now this is all where we can truly shine as creators. 

Why Designers Are More Valuable Now

I know it sounds crazy to say this and maybe there are people who don’t agree with this statement but “Good designers are more valuable now than ever” 

Why? Because in a sea full of new businesses and companies growing everyday we need to stand out above the crowd. We need eye stopping, emotional, story telling that makes people want to know more and invest. Just ask gen z which I have learned cares more about the emotional story behind a business than any other generation. Businesses need to connect with their consumers not just sell something and we’re gonna have to get really creative doing it. 

Being my authentic weird colorful self for the world to see

How you will thrive in the AI Era

This doesn’t mean that it’ll be easy for designers, we must evolve also just like everyone else. My advice would be to develop your signature style and stick with it. Tell your unique story that someone can connect and relate to. Become a collaborator with brands, people, and companies that you love and trust. Make sure you have the deeper meaning behind your work not just a pretty piece of art to show off. Use your humanity and emotional intelligence in any and every situation. Lastly just be yourself don’t try to be someone else because that’ll eventually fade, be your unapologetically weird self because that is what will bring the right people to you. 

Inspiring Mic-Drop Conclusion

I truly hope this helps you realize you can thrive as an artist today even with AI. Use it as your assistant but remember you’re the artist and the world is waiting to see what you have to create in your unique voice and style. Remember AI makes design move faster but humans make design meaningful and meaning will always win!

Love,

Ari