How AI Fits Into Each Design Phase

AI can be a powerful tool when integrated thoughtfully. This guide shows where it helps, where it hinders, and how to use it at each stage.

Overview: The Design Process

Research → Synthesis → Ideation → Concept Development → 
Design Execution → Refinement → Presentation → Reflection

General principle: AI is most useful at the divergent/generative phases and for technical tasks. It's least useful for synthesis and core creative decisions.

Phase 1: Research

What This Phase Involves

• Gathering information
• Visual research
• Precedent analysis
• Audience understanding
• Context mapping

Where AI Helps ✅

Keyword expansion

• Use: Generate related search terms
• Tool: ChatGPT, Claude
• Prompt example: "Generate 20 related keywords for [topic]"
• Your role: Add your own keywords AI missed, prioritize the list