AI
It's become part of how I actually work: AI-assisted prototyping in Figma, Claude for research synthesis and for helping build this very site, Google AI Studio for exploring ideas quickly. I reach for it because good design needs speed: iterating faster, testing more ideas, throwing more away.
That said, I've learned some lessons along the way, and I keep questioning why I'm reaching for it when I do.
Speed, not autopilot
I lean on AI for the pace it offers, then question if it's the right thing. Speed is only a win if the thinking survives it.
Thinking partner, not a peer
AI's genuinely useful for thinking out loud. But belonging and trust is earned from collaborating with others.
Pushback is important
AI's always willing to run with my ideas. But agreement that costs it nothing isn't worth much, so I build the pushback in myself.