This is the second blog in a series on Artificial Intelligence and its impact on Service Design, UX Design, Visual Design and User Interface Design.
By now we are several months on since the first blog on AI and UX. This time, we take a sober look at the less rosy sides and how a value-driven design process helps keep priorities sharp.
AI tools can generate wireframes, content or design variants in record time. That seems efficient. But speed does not automatically mean the end result is valuable to users, organizations or other stakeholders. Especially now, Value Driven Design is becoming more important than ever.
Value Driven Design reminds us what design is really about: contributing to concrete concrete goals, for all stakeholders. Technology may accelerate the process, but it is people, designers and product owners, to ensure that the result really adds value.
AI learns from existing data. But that data rarely reflects the full breadth of society. What is not visible in the training data does not become visible in the outcomes. The risk? Designs that seem to work well, but unwittingly exclude or disadvantage certain user groups.
Think of digital forms that remain confusing to the low-literate. Or interfaces that are not accessible to people with disabilities. Bias is rarely meant maliciously, but creeps into the process when you rely solely on AI.
Value Driven Design forces teams to consciously consider all users, not just the average ones. It helps to test design choices for inclusion and relevance, and prevents AI from unintentionally contributing to a digital divide.
AI calculates, but does not understand. It has no inherent empathy, no sense of cultural differences or no understanding of subtle user needs. Especially in complex environments, such as healthcare and public services (situations that revolve around basic security) human interpretation remains indispensable.
This is why Value Driven Design emphasizes the importance of user needs at all levels, both mental and psychological. From translating strategy into design criteria, to testing prototypes with real users. AI does not replace what people unconsciously and almost automatically apply: context awareness, empathy and critical
judgment.
The power of AI is in support: it eases repetitive tasks, speeds up analysis and
provides variety. But to use that power effectively and responsibly, a clear framework is
needed. Value Driven Design provides just that. It structures projects from abstract (strategy) to
concrete (design assets), with interim validation and room for adjustment.
In this way, technology remains a tool within the bigger picture; not the driving force
behind choices that affect user experience and organizational value.
AI has undeniable impact on the field of UX. Those who sail blindly on technological promises, runs the risk of putting speed before value. Value Driven Design helps avoid that pitfall to avoid. It provides structure, clarity and review at all levels of a project, with room for technology, but without losing sight of the human factor.
lose sight of.
This blog is the second part in our series on AI and UX. In the first part, we looked at the opportunities and possibilities. This time, we deliberately highlighted the less rosy sides. Would you like to exchange further thoughts with us about AI or Value Driven Design? Just get in touch with us.