Are we using AI to build better products, or just mediocre ones faster?
I keep seeing the same AI discussion in design: speed.
And I’m honestly not sure that’s the most interesting thing AI brings to the table.
What worries me is that AI is often used to produce more output faster, not necessarily better output. In my experience, that can lead to generic, repetitive, average-looking design. Especially when people treat the first AI result as “good enough.”
What I do think AI can be useful for is closing skill gaps. UX writing, icons, motion, quick visual exploration, idea sketc hing. That feels like a real opportunity to improve the work, not just intensify it.
The part I struggle with is when AI output starts replacing the actual thinking around product, context, user needs, and trade-offs. That’s the stuff that doesn’t show up immediately in the deliverable, but it matters a lot.
To me, the goal should not be “faster mediocre design.”
It should be using AI to build better products.
How are you all seeing this in your teams?