The balance here is VERY delicate, one that many of us still struggle with, particularly when it comes to incorporating design software. One of the things I think is helpful is making sure that designers continue to keep their skills updated, learning new tips and tricks as the software improves. This allows you to continue to be as efficient as possible as you use the software and less likely to get stuck on doing something that is no longer the quickest or most efficient method. And then also emphasizing the importance of stepping away from the computer, being inspired by what's around you, and not forgetting about pencil and paper to do quick drawings, so that the creativity continues to flow and doesn't stagnate.

Technical knowledge (and not creativity) is how professionals anticipate areas were costs can be managed and adapt construction to balance creativity vs productivity and stay within budget. Only a technically skilled designer can turn 5 designs into 100s of SKUs but a "creative" designer won't be able to do the same