The Invisible Impact of AI on Design

“Invisible” hands guide a digital UX interface—wireframes, flowcharts, and UI components softly illuminated by AI‑inspired light.

AI is revolutionizing design in ways that are often unnoticed. Everyone is shouting about it, but the real shifts aren’t loud. Instead, they are subtle. They are hidden within Figma files, client messages, and UX flows that seem normal. When you zoom in, you see that AI is making the invisible visible. I’ve documented this transformation, one pixel and one prompt at a time.

Understanding AI in Design Workflows

Let me tell you about the streaks feature we designed for 1st90.

This wasn’t a sci-fi project. It was a practical engagement. Our client aimed to enhance user retention on their learning platform. This task wasn’t flashy. It required a habit-forming feature. We didn’t just design; we built a system of small, consistent wins. It felt familiar. However, I realized I leaned heavily on AI to expedite the process.

How AI Streamlined Our Process

I utilized AI to:

• Draft user flow logic based on behavioral design principles.

• Generate variant copy for streak messaging—motivational, neutral, and playful.

• Quickly visualize how different streak types might appeal to users with various goals.

• Analyze feedback and detect patterns faster than I could manage alone.

  
  

However, AI did not replace my role. Instead, it amplified my capabilities.

The Subtle Shift in Design Paradigms

Many miss what is truly happening here. When discussing AI in design, it’s easy to think of generative visuals or catchy ChatGPT headlines. The deeper impact lies within creative workflows. AI reduces friction and accelerates decision-making processes. A machine can handle the first 80% of tasks, allowing me to focus on the remaining 20% and refine it with care.

We are entering an era of co-authorship in design. Design is no longer just about what we create; it’s increasingly about how we create it. And AI has become an integral part of that process.

The Importance of Embracing AI Tools

If you are building products, leading teams, or striving to remain relevant, it’s crucial to pay attention to the quiet parts—the invisible hands of AI. Designers who learn to embrace these tools will find they are not being replaced. Instead, we become faster, clearer, and more focused on uniquely human tasks.

As we navigate this new landscape, it’s vital to recognize the small changes already happening in our workflows. Engage with AI as a partner, not a replacement.

Conclusion: The Future is Collaborative

Design is evolving, and so must we. As AI becomes a constant in our workflows, the potential for enhancing our creative capabilities grows tremendously. Let’s keep the conversation going. What parts of your workflow are shifting, even if you haven't noticed yet?

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If you want to see what that looks like in practice, here’s the full breakdown of the streaks feature, including how AI helped shape every step: https://www.bradyux.com/post/case-study-designing-streaks-for-1st90brady-ux-x-1st90-summer-2025

Let’s continue to explore this exciting evolution together!