How Is AI Design Different From Product Design

The screen you read this story on is an excellent example of product design. And the voice assistant you use to search content is an equally apt example of AI design. But how are product design and AI design related? And where do they differ? 

In essence, all AI products are examples of product design, but not all are examples of AI design. Any product designed using artificial intelligence and machine learning can come under the purview of AI design. 

We have already looked at AI design conceptually here. But what sets the experience of being an AI designer apart? Here are some key points:

1. Building Prototypes

Just to recap, traditional product design has five steps: empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test. When powered by AI, building the prototyping stage of product design speeds up. In a non-tech setup, building prototypes would involve physical effort. But with AI, prototypes with different variations can be 3D-printed in no time! Hence, AI design allows designers to present multiple prototypes of the proposed product without increasing the TAT of the prototyping process. 

2. User Vs. Technology

There is an ongoing debate that AI prioritizes technical capabilities over the user’s needs.  The designer has the technology first, and then they want to see what problem it can solve for the user. In some ways, it is like working backward from the problem one is trying to solve. However, the point to note here is that an awareness of technology or what AI can do is essential for designers to understand how it can impact user experience. In essence, the grammar of AI design differs from physical product design, but the aim remains the same: to delight the user. 

3. An Eye On The Future

The most crucial feature that sets AI design apart from product design is that it generates user experience for the future. The AI product essentially creates the user experience that will become common in a few years. Hence, it is setting the stage for the future of technology. 

4. Data Collection And Analysis

AI is all about collecting and studying the correct data. Hence, AI product design is deeply rooted in relevant data collection. AI designers always work with data engineers to ensure that the right kind of data is being collected and collated for the product to be tested and become a success. For instance, in 2007, two years after Google Maps was introduced, real-time traffic data was integrated into the product. Guess what made it possible? None other than meticulous data collection!

The future of product design lies with AI. Hence, designers must update their skills. To venture into product design using AI, make a start with Designing and Building AI Products and Services program with MIT xPRO.