Since it first appeared as a concept, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has mostly been an idea for science fiction to explore. However, in recent years, it has developed into a technological marvel and has become a force that has a presence in virtually all commercial activities. But will AI replace UX designers and other professionals one day?
In its current form, it is mainly applied to carry out repetitive, mundane tasks to increase efficiency in systems and workforces. It is a popular tool for reducing operational costs and has caused people to lose their jobs as cheaper, more efficient AI takes over.
This leads to concern that AI could be a threat to job security in a number of sectors. Roles that can be fully automated, such as customer service or retail, are some of the most prominent examples, but there is also fear in industries that require creativity and forethought, such as UX designers. Can that creativity be automated?
Read on to explore the potential threat of AI to the job security of UX designers. Could it take over completely one day? Or might it simply become another tool that UX designers use?
Will AI replace UX designers?
Let’s start by addressing the question at the core of this article: will AI replace UX designers any time soon?
In short, the answer is: no. There is little chance we will see UX designers replaced by AI in the near future. Of course, there is no way of knowing for certain what will happen in the future, but when considering the role of AI and its threat to job security, there are several factors to consider.
AI is already a fundamental feature of UX design
The impact of AI is felt in virtually every industry, including UX design. Many of the workflow and business systems UX designers use are already heavily influenced by AI. However, just because AI is part of the job, we should not assume that it will eventually take over completely.
There are already businesses that offer AI-based logo designs, for example. All you have to do is input a little information about your businesses and design preferences and a logo is automatically generated. This exists, but it has not put logo designers out of a job.
With that example in mind, the next question might be: what keeps clients coming to human designers when there are AI alternatives out there?
The importance of the human touch
Artificial Intelligence is becoming prevalent in our world, but the scenario of it putting us all out of a job seems a long way off. In fact, it may never happen, and there is one key reason for this…
One of the barriers for people accepting AI as a replacement for UX designers (and many other professions) is that we put a lot of value in the ‘human touch’.
When it comes down to it, we prefer to interact with other humans, rather than robots. We think and work on the same level, rather than the ultra-fast processing and analysis of robots. This means that the experience of our clients will always be better when they can engage with people rather than machines.
Going back to the logo design example; a robot can come up with a large number of possible logo designs for a company, but it takes a human designer to meet the precise needs of a client. The same principle applies to UX: only a human being can design an effective UX because we are able to relate to other people. AI is incredible when it comes to following algorithms, but it takes a human to design a thoughtful system that engages and connects with other humans.
How human UX designers can embrace AI for better outcomes
AI can sound a little intimidating to many. How can a human being compete with a solution that can process multiple algorithmic results in mere seconds while you are struggling to get to grips with your monthly budget?
But this efficiency does not need to be intimidating, since it is merely that: efficiency. And we all want this in our lives.
Forget about concerns around whether or not AI will take over the job of the UX designer. Instead, consider how it can make you better at your job. For example, a UX designer might apply AI to get suggestions on colour palettes for a website. The AI can’t consider the design in the same way as a human, but it can boost the UX designer’s productivity by coming up with algorithmic suggestions they can consider.
AI will not take over the job of the UX designer, but it is almost certain to take over parts of the job – specifically, the most repetitive and mundane parts. These are the parts that we all would prefer not to have to do for ourselves, so AI is actually helping us.
Key takeaways
Contrary to the prevailing fear of the modern industry, it is extremely unlikely that UX designers will be replaced by AI anytime soon. The main reason for this is that AI solutions lack something that is a fundamental need of the client: the human touch.
Try to move away from your fear of whether or not AI will put you out of a job. Shift onto focusing on how you can implement AI and other new technologies to make you a better, more productive UX designer.
If you are an aspiring UX designer looking to learn UX design, The UX Philosophy offers resources and training that will help. If you would like to know more, please don’t hesitate to make an enquiry and we will answer your questions. The UX Philosophy simplifies your transition into UX without an expensive degree; have a look for yourself to see.
