How AI changed the way I design
Leapfrog Technology, Inc.
Building digital experiences of tomorrow by innovating better, faster.
Written by: Anish Maharjan , Senior Product Designer
In the fast-growing field of product design, where efficiency and innovation are crucial, Artificial Intelligence is making a significant impact. Imagine having a dedicated team to support you with your everyday design tasks, streamlining all stages of the process, from ideation and prototyping to product testing and finalization.
This technology has completely changed how I approach product design. Since integrating these tools into my process, I've found them exceptionally helpful in generating impactful designs by offering solutions to various challenges in design.
Design workflow and use of AI
Using Artificial Intelligence can enhance the design process by handling tasks like wireframing, layout organization, and image enhancement. It helps analyze data for UX research, generates unique ideas, and speeds up prototyping by quickly testing and refining products. However, integrating AI effectively depends on your unique needs.?
With that in mind, I'd like to share how AI is helping me with my current design workflow.
Phase 1. Planning and collecting requirements
Interpreting a requirement brief can be quite challenging and time-consuming. In this stage, I use ChatGPT to refine lengthy briefs into key points, which helps create a clear project plan. For brainstorming, I prefer Figjam AI, which helps to instantly visualize ideas, suggest best practices, and automate tedious tasks.
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Phase 2. Research and analysis
Analyzing current design trends and competitor strategies can be very demanding. ChatGPT is extremely helpful in this regard, turning vast amounts of data into actionable insights that guide the strategic plan.
To keep my designs fresh and relevant, I rely on both ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot. They automate data analysis and generate comprehensive reports on popular features and emerging trends, ensuring my designs stay up-to-date with the latest industry insights.
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Phase 3. Developing user personas and use cases
At this stage, initial versions of user personas and use cases are crafted using data gathered from previous phases with ChatGPT's assistance, then meticulously refined manually for accuracy. Visual elements in Figjam are included to enhance the clarity of these personas.
Collaboration with stakeholders ensures that both personas and use cases effectively address user needs and project objectives.
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Phase 4. Sketching and wireframing
Moving forward, I create initial sketches and wireframes for the primary screens using Figjam. The AI plugins in these tools, such as Figma's smart suggestions, streamline and enhance the sketching and wireframing process. Additionally, Framer and Uizard are notable tools in this phase.
Framer incorporates AI to simplify interaction design, while Uizard employs machine learning to transform design concepts into refined, professional interfaces. For UX copy, instead of using lorem ipsum, I use ChatGPT to generate relatable content, ensuring a more realistic user experience.
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Phase 5. Visual design
Next, I craft a modern visual design using Figma. Before starting on the actual design, I set up fonts and colors using AI tools like Fontjoy, FontPair, Coolors, and Freepik’s AI feature for generating images.
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Phase 6. Interactive prototyping
In this phase, I bring the design to life by developing interactive prototypes. Using tools like Figma and Protopie, I create dynamic prototypes that simulate the final product's functionality. Figma's AI plugins are particularly useful for adding interactive elements and refining the user experience.
These tools ensure the prototypes are realistic and engaging, making them effective for thorough testing and validation.
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Phase 7. User testing, feedback analysis and refinement
Following the prototyping phase, I conduct user testing and gather valuable feedback using Figjam. After collecting user feedback, I utilize ChatGPT to analyze the data and plan necessary refinements.
ChatGPT helps turn feedback into actionable items, ensuring the design effectively addresses user needs. Then, I use Figjam to visualize these changes, and UsabilityHub to gain additional insights to further improve the design.
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Phase 8. Final design delivery (Implement)
Once the design is refined, I finalize and deliver it using Figma, ensuring all design assets are properly finalized and exported for implementation.
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Phase 9. Documentation and handoff
In this crucial phase, I prepare the final design documentation for handoff to the development team. Figma offers comprehensive features to ensure all visual elements, user flows, and interaction details are clearly communicated.
Additional tools like Design Lint and EightShapes Blocks enhance this phase by identifying inconsistencies and generating specifications directly from Figma designs. This streamlines the process and provides clear, actionable information for developers.
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Challenges of integrating AI in product design
While AI-generated findings can be accurate, they often lack the complexity and nuance of real users' opinions and behaviors, failing to provide groundbreaking insights crucial for staying competitive.
AI algorithms can also perpetuate biases, leading to unfair experiences. Designers should use diverse training data, conduct bias testing, and monitor performance to ensure fairness. Users may be hesitant to adopt AI-driven products due to concerns about accuracy and reliability. Transparent communication, clear data sources, and optimized explanations are essential to build trust.
Additionally, it is imperative to securely collect, store, and use personal data. Designers must adhere to data protection regulations and minimize data collection to maintain user trust.
Teams might over-rely on synthetic research, making stakeholders hesitant to invest in real research, which undermines the value of user-centered design. Synthetic research is unreliable for niche groups and should be treated as preliminary, with findings considered hypotheses to be tested with real studies.
Most importantly, while AI automates tasks, human creativity and innovation remain irreplaceable. Designers must strike a balance between AI utilization and human-centric practices.
In a nutshell
AI has revolutionized my design workflow by automating tedious tasks and enhancing creativity. Tools like ChatGPT and Figjam streamline project planning and brainstorming, while Figma's AI plugins speed up prototyping. AI-driven insights help develop user personas, and tools like Fontjoy and Coolors refine visual designs. Prototyping with Figma and Protopie makes testing efficient. Despite challenges like data privacy and maintaining creativity, AI has significantly boosted design quality and efficiency, balancing automation with human innovation.
What are your thoughts on this piece? Let us know in the comments, or reach out to Anish Maharjan via:
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People-Centric | Delivering Effective Business Solutions
4 个月Helpful workflow :) thanks for sharing.
Junior Legal Manager
4 个月Insightful!