AI-assisted concept ideation and creative brainstorming

I know this was asked before, but I’m curious again.

Right now I mostly use generative AI for:

UX copy

A/B thinking and general UX advice

Architecture and workflow discussions

Brainstorming broad ideas

Sometimes I test complex UI ideas in tools like Claude, especially when Figma gets heavy. But overall, I rely mostly on ChatGPT as an assistant to think through problems.

In my case, AI still needs strong input from me. It rarely gives solutions that are fully usable without refinement.

For context, I work on a niche financial platform. The UX challenges are quite specific, and often AI doesn’t have enough context to give answers.

I see a lot of hype on LinkedIn about no-code, heavy automation, “AI doing 75% of design,” etc. But I don’t really see that working in my case. Even for simple landing pages, results feel generic. Maybe I’m using the wrong tools or not prompting well.

Lately my focus is more on management and strategy, while still designing daily.

How are you using AI beyond what I described?

Let’s be honest... the sheer volume of noise surrounding Artificial Intelligence right now is exhausting and all over the place. Every tool has a “generate” button, and social media (LinkedIn especially) is full of people proclaiming the end of traditional design jobs.

As a product designer, I initially approached this wave with skepticism. I enjoy designing. I like solving complex problems. I was not looking for a machine to do my job for me.

However, almost two years has passed since those early iterations and ignoring AI is no longer an option. Instead of viewing it as a replacement, I have spent my recent time treating AI as a very fast and somewhat literal-minded supporter. The goal is not to let it design the final product. The goal is to clear the path so I have more time for actual critical thinking.

Here is a look at how I have started integrating these tools into my daily workflow:

Most designers are using AI wrong. They ask it to create everything.
I use it to think better.

Here's how AI fits into my design process 
1. Idea Exploration
Before touching a single pixel, I use AI to generate multiple positioning angles for a product or concept. One idea becomes five. Five become direction.

2. Content & Messaging Clarity
Strong design starts with strong communication. AI helps refine hooks, headlines, and structure before visuals come in.

3. Moodboarding & Layout Thinking
I explore style directions, composition variations, and visual hierarchy faster, so I design with intention, not guesswork.

4. Faster Iterations
Instead of staring at a blank screen, I start with momentum.

I test concepts quicker.
I refine smarter.

But here's the important part:
AI gives options. ✅ I make decisions.
AI speeds execution. ✅ I bring taste.
Creativity is still human. AI just removes friction.

Designers who learn to collaborate with AI, not compete with it will grow faster.