How AIs Affect My Workflow as a Designer

Hao Ta

Mar 1, 2025

AI is everywhere, and as a designer, I’ve embraced it in my workflow. Not to replace creativity, but to enhance it. From brainstorming ideas to generating visuals, different AI tools have taken on specific roles, making my process faster, smoother, and (sometimes) even more fun.

The best part? AI isn’t just for automation—it’s also for exploration. With the right tools, I can push creative boundaries without getting stuck on technical limitations.

So, which AIs do I use, and how do they actually help? Let’s break it down.

The AIs I Use and Why

ChatGPT – The Brainstorming Buddy

I’ll be honest: sometimes, I just need someone (or something) to bounce ideas off. Whether it’s brainstorming design concepts, structuring an article (like this one), or even coming up with catchy taglines, ChatGPT is my go-to. It doesn’t judge, doesn’t get tired, and is always ready with suggestions—some brilliant, some... well, let’s just say “creative.”

"Design is thinking made visual. AI just helps organize the thinking."

Grok – The Real-Time Researcher

Unlike most AIs that rely on pre-trained knowledge, Grok has real-time online searching. This makes it super useful for staying updated with the latest tech trends. For example, I recently hosted my own website without understanding a single line of code—Grok made sure I didn’t break the internet in the process.

Having AI that can search the latest information on demand is a game-changer, especially when dealing with evolving design tools and industry trends.

NotebookLM – The Deep Diver

When I need serious research backed by solid proof, NotebookLM is the AI I trust. It processes multiple types of documents and extracts key insights, making it perfect for gathering data from different sources. It’s like having an assistant who reads everything for me and highlights the important stuff.

For in-depth case studies or when I need references for an article, NotebookLM ensures I don’t miss critical details.

AI doesn’t replace research. It just makes sure you don’t drown in it.

Perplexity – The Search Powerhouse

This one’s interesting because it automates online searches and works really well alongside ChatGPT. If I need quick, reliable information, I’ll use Perplexity first and then refine my ideas with ChatGPT. I’ll probably write a separate article on this AI duo—because their combined power is kinda insane.

Having a tool that cuts through search engine noise and delivers structured, accurate results is incredibly helpful for any designer looking to stay informed.

Multi-Media AI – The Visual Magicians

Sometimes, I need quick product mockups or concept visualizations. Instead of spending hours sketching ideas, I use tools like MidJourney, Gemini, or Sora. They’re not perfect, but they save time and help me bring ideas to life instantly.

One thing to note is that while AI-generated visuals are great for rapid ideation, they still need human refinement to truly shine. But hey, that’s what makes designing fun!

"A good AI-generated mockup saves hours. A bad one at least makes you laugh."

The Pros and Cons

Of course, AI isn’t magic. It has its ups and downs.

✅ Pros:

Saves time and effort.
Offers fresh ideas and perspectives.
Helps with repetitive tasks.

❌ Cons:

Sometimes too confident when wrong.
Still needs human judgment to ensure quality.
Can’t replace true creative intuition.

How AI Changes the Way I Work

Before AI, a lot of my time was spent on manual tasks—research, writing drafts, tweaking mockups. Now, I can move faster, test more ideas, and focus on refining the best ones. Instead of seeing AI as a shortcut, I treat it as a tool that allows me to push my creative limits further.

For example, AI helps me:

Develop structured design briefs quicker.
Automate repetitive layout tasks.
Generate multiple variations of a design concept in minutes.
Prototype interactive elements with minimal coding knowledge.

By combining AI efficiency with human creativity, I can explore more ideas in less time.

Final Thoughts

AI isn’t here to replace designers. It’s here to make our work more efficient, more experimental, and maybe even more fun. The best part? It’s still evolving, which means we’re only scratching the surface of what’s possible.

So, if you’re a designer who hasn’t embraced AI yet, my advice is: try it. Not every tool will fit your workflow, but the right ones can make a real difference.