AI and LLMs like ChatGPT are revolutionising the world of product design (Amongst other things!). Whether you’re sketching wireframes, crafting user journeys, or iterating prototypes, these tools can really help for speed, creativity, and efficiency. Here are just some that I use! What’s your go-to AI assistant nowadays?
1. Rapid Ideation and Brainstorming
When you’re staring at a blank page, AI is the ultimate brainstorming partner. LLMs can help generate ideas for features, layout suggestions, or even entire user flows. By feeding a prompt like, “What features would improve user retention for a fitness app?”, you’ll receive creative, structured suggestions in seconds. Don’t replace your own ideation with this but use them as a starting point or to validate your own empirical thinking. I find AI to be a great motivator to kick start projects.
- ChatGPT or Claude: Input a design brief and ask for creative solutions or enhancements.
- Whimsical AI: Generate quick flowcharts and wireframes based on your prompts.
2. User Persona Creation
Understanding your audience is key to great design. AI tools can quickly generate detailed user personas, complete with motivations, pain points, and behavioural insights. By combining demographic data with LLM-generated empathy, you can fine-tune your design to resonate deeply with users. The results are pretty incredible for proto-personas but make sure you augment these with your own studies and primary research.
- HubSpot AI: Create dynamic personas based on marketing data.
- Persona Generator AI: Craft fictional personas tailored to your audience.
3. Prototyping and Auto Layout Design
Figma’s integration with AI has changed the game. AI-powered plugins can design auto-layout systems, suggest colour palettes, or even generate placeholder content. This not only speeds up your work but also ensures a polished, cohesive look.
- Figma AI Plugins: Use tools like Autolayout to automate component design.
- Uizard: Turn hand-drawn sketches into digital wireframes instantly.
4. Accessibility Checks
Inclusive design is non-negotiable, and AI can help ensure your product meets accessibility standards. AI-powered tools can scan designs for issues like colour contrast, font size, or readability, offering actionable improvements.
- Stark: Audit accessibility issues directly in Figma or Sketch.
- Wave: Evaluate the accessibility of web designs and prototypes.
5. Testing Copy and Microinteractions
AI excels at writing clear, engaging microcopy for buttons, tooltips, and notifications. It can even simulate A/B testing by predicting which messages will perform better with your audience.
- ChatGPT: Experiment with button labels, error messages, or onboarding instructions.
- Frontitude: Tailor microcopy suggestions to your brand’s tone of voice.