Will product design be replaced by AI?

Everywhere we go AI is taking over, making headlines daily and it’s here to stay.

As if proof were needed of its importance. This week, Kier Starmer has committed to making the UK an AI superpower.

Whilst AI is improving everyday, at an astounding rate, there are some aspects of product design that are unlikely to be replaced.

How has AI affected product design so far?

Although AI is a relatively new phenomena to most, computer based algorithms have been commonly around since around the height of the internet bubble in 1995. The launch of the Google search engine in 1998, introduced a really quick and easy way for people to complete research. As designers it introduced global design styles right on screen at your desk. As such product design went in all directions creating a lot of out-there designs, there was no limit. Fast forward to 2025 and if you walk into any electronics store you’ll be met with 100’s of products that all look the same.

Some of this can be put down to a better understanding of product users, technological advancements and iterative design. However the internet search engine has no small part to play. Companies like Google have collected huge amounts of data over the past 3 decades to improve their functionality and your experience of using them. Whilst it is great to have the whole world in the palm of your hand, searching can result in similar results.

The generates two problems for product designers.

1. A smaller pool of creative inspiration, which is more in-line with other designers.
2. Clients who already have a pre-conceived idea about what their product should look like and how it should function.

The result of this we can call the ‘Apple-isation’ of product design, where every product looks like an i-Phone or iMac.

Cookies stifle creativity!

Will AI replace Product Design?

Let’s give it a go, we asked Adobe Firefly to design us a modern boiling water and ice dispensing tap. The results are the title image for this post. Ignoring the 6 fingers and weird perspectives, It’s no doubt an impressive image and it has water and ice. You can even tell it’s a tap. Yet it’s missing any real human connection or sense that it functions in any way. What it is, is a collection of data collected from the internet and (almost) seamlessly welded together in one image.

So it’s not all doom and gloom for the future of product design, the industry has already evolved past the ‘Apple-isation’ phase. 

Proving that actually AI is unlikely to replace Product Design, rather aid it in its recovery.

• Human-Centered Design:

  • Empathy and Understanding: AI excels at analyzing data, but struggles to understand human emotions, motivations, and cultural nuances. Empathetic design, which considers users’ feelings and experiences, remains a core human strength and one which product design should pivot.
  • Building Relationships: Building trust and rapport with users is crucial for successful design. Human designers can foster these relationships through communication, collaboration, and genuine interaction.

• Creative Vision and Storytelling:

  • Originality and Innovation: While AI can generate variations and combinations, true creative breakthroughs often require human intuition, imagination, and the ability to think outside the box.
  • Narrative and Meaning: Design is not just about aesthetics; it’s about communicating a story and conveying meaning. Human designers are better at creating products with narrative and emotional resonance.

• Strategic Thinking and Decision-Making:

  • Defining the Problem: AI can assist in identifying patterns, but defining the right problem to solve often requires human judgment, strategic thinking, and an understanding of the broader business context.
  • Ethical Considerations: Design decisions often have ethical implications. Human designers are responsible for considering the social, environmental, and ethical impact of their work.

• Adaptability and Agility:

  • Responding to Change: The design process is dynamic and constantly evolving. Human designers can quickly adapt to changing user needs, market trends, and unexpected challenges.

In essence, AI is a powerful tool that can supplement the work of product designers, but it cannot fully replace the unique human qualities of creativity, empathy, strategic thinking, and adaptability. The future of product design lies in a collaborative approach where human designers leverage AI tools to enhance their capabilities and create even more innovative and user-centered products.

To find out how you can move past the ‘Apple-isation’ of your products contact us.