How UX Designers Can Use AI to Strengthen Their Practice

This Delivery Fellowship session focuses on how UX designers can use AI to strengthen their practice without losing judgment, craft, or intent.

Date: Wednesday, February 4th, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Location: Illinois Institute of Technology – Institute of Design
Address: 3137 S Federal Street, Chicago, IL 60616

We’ll examine how AI fits into modern UX workflows and how designers can use it as a practical, supportive collaborator rather than a replacement for skill or experience. The goal is to move beyond experimentation and toward thoughtful, responsible use that improves decision-making and influence.

Key questions we’ll explore:

• Why do many UX designers resist AI, and what assumptions drive that resistance?
• How can designers use AI without weakening craft or critical thinking?
• What does real collaboration between a designer and AI look like in practice?

Interactive Workshop
Participants will break into small groups for an AI as a Collaborator Mapping exercise. Each group will work through a shared UX scenario and map where AI can support research, ideation, or critique, and where human judgment must remain central. The focus is on workflows and decision-making, not tools.

What you’ll leave with:

• A clear framework for where AI supports UX work and where judgment cannot be delegated
• A concrete example of responsible AI collaboration in a real workflow
• One takeaway you can apply directly to your own practice

No prior AI experience is required. This session is designed for UX designers who want clarity, confidence, and a grounded way forward.

Seats are limited. We hope to see you there.