You saw and heard the news about DeepSeek AI.
You might be worried about AI and your job as a UXer.
Let’s break it down.
1. The Real Fear (And Why It’s Not What You Think)
People say AI will replace UXer because it’s faster and cheaper. But here’s the truth:
- AI is like a hammer. A hammer builds a house faster, but it can’t design the house.
- AI does tasks, like making 100 versions of a button. But *you* decide which button feels right for real people.
Example: Imagine AI creates a checkout page that’s “perfect” for speed. But you notice it’s confusing for older users. You fix it. AI can’t do that—it doesn’t care.
2. How AI Changes Your Work (And What Stays the Same)
What AI Does:
- Automates boring work (e.g., turning sketches into code, testing colors).
- Finds patterns in data (e.g., “Users click more on red buttons”).
What You Do:
- Solve messy problems. AI needs rules. You don’t. Example: A food app for low-income users has no data. AI can’t help. You talk to real people, learn they need bigger text for readability. You design it.
- Protect people. AI might suggest a layout that’s unfair to disabled users. You stop it.
- Tell stories. AI can’t explain why a design matters. You can.
3. How to Prepare (No Fluff, Just Facts)
Do This Now:
1. Learn the tools, not the hype.
- Try AI plugins in Figma. Use them to make 10 layout ideas fast. Pick the best one.
- Example: A UX designer uses AI to generate wireframes in minutes. Then spends the time fixing accessibility issues AI missed.
2. Focus on what AI can’t steal:
- Empathy. Talk to users. Notice their frustrations.
- Judgment. Ask: “Is this design *good* or just fast?”
- Courage. Say no when AI’s “perfect” solution hurts people.
3. Work with AI engineers.
- Learn their language. Explain what users need.
- Example: A product designer told engineers, “Your AI tool made buttons too small for grandparents.” They fixed it.
4. The Future (Straight Talk)
- Jobs won’t disappear. They’ll change. Example: 10 years ago, designers worried about templates killing jobs. Now, they focus on apps for VR, healthcare, and climate tech.
- You’ll do less clicking, more thinking. AI handles the “how.” You handle the “why.”
At the end of the day, AI is a tool. Like a shovel. It digs holes faster, but you decide where to plant the tree.
Your job is safe if you:
- Use AI for grunt work.
- Stay human. Keep caring about people.
Questions? Hit reply. I’ll answer.
— Joseph
P.S. If you’re scared, you’re not alone. But remember: Cars replaced horses, but we still need drivers. AI needs you to steer it. And if you are feeling uncertain in landing a role in this 'AI' world, then reply 'AI' to this email and let's talk.
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