WELCOMEWELCOME

Stop letting AI do your thinking for you.

Stay curious. Stay in control.

Here’s how to build real designerly skills in an AI world.

AI is built to keep you hooked. It feeds you easy answers, fast fixes, and endless nudges. Most people just accept what it serves up. But the best designers do the opposite.

They question everything.

→ Start with curiosity.

Curiosity is your superpower. It means you don’t just take AI’s suggestions at face value. You dig deeper. You ask why it’s nudging you, who benefits, and what you might be missing.

→ Practice critical thinking.

Critical thinking is a muscle. Use it every time AI offers a shortcut. Don’t just click “accept.” Pause. Look for hidden assumptions. Explore other options. Stay in the driver’s seat.

Here are 5 ways to flex your curiosity and critical thinking:

  • Interrogate the output: Don’t just use what AI gives you. Ask yourself, “What’s missing? What’s the source?”
  • Trace the nudge: Notice when AI tries to steer you. Who gains if you follow? Who loses?
  • Compare alternatives: Try different prompts or tools. See how the answers change.
  • Spot the pattern: AI loves to repeat what’s popular. Look for sameness. Break the cycle.
  • Design with intention: Use tech as a tool, not a crutch. Make choices on purpose, not by default.

→ Build the habit.

Every time you use AI, pause for 10 seconds. Ask yourself: Am I thinking for myself, or just following the script? That pause is where real design skill grows.

Stay curious. Stay critical. Stay in charge.

 

PROMPTPROMPT

Curiosity Prompts

Curiosity isn’t just a feeling - it’s a practice.

Whether you’re flying solo, collaborating with your team, or exploring new frontiers with AI, intentional questions open doors to fresh insights and creative breakthroughs. Here are some prompts to help:

By Yourself: Pick a topic outside your expertise and spend 15 minutes researching it - what surprising questions come up?

With Others: Create a group challenge: find one new thing to learn next week and share why it matters.

Ask AI:

“Simulate a conversation between two experts debating an emerging idea in [topic].”

 

CRITICAL THINKINGCRITICAL THINKING

VISUAL COMMUNICATIONVISUAL COMMUNICATION

COLLABORATECOLLABORATE

CREATIVITYCREATIVITY

UXUX


INCLUSIVEINCLUSIVE

UNTIL NEXT TIMEUNTIL NEXT TIME

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I love your thoughts, suggestions and feedback, positive or negative—just reply or email me at lycerejo (at) gmail.com - thank you!