How To Actually Design With AI

Design has always been one of the areas where AI struggles to match human ability. But most people still misunderstand what designing with AI actually means. Designing with AI does not mean asking it to do everything for you. The idea, direction, feeling, and creativity should still come from you.

AI is there to help you execute.
Here is the process in simple terms:

You can use tools like Cursor, Codex, Claude, or any harness. Basically at its core, you are turning your thoughts into instructions. AI can execute extremely well, but it still lacks true creativity. It understands design rules like spacing, typography, color theory, and hierarchy.

But it does not understand taste. It does not know what feels original, meaningful, or genuinely good.

That is the gap.

You cannot give AI real taste yet, but you can work around that limitation.

Method 1: Use a Design Skill

This is the fastest approach. If you are short on time or working on something small, you can rely on prebuilt design skills.

Some examples:

TasteSkill Version 2 is also coming soon with a dedicated GPT 5.6 one first. :)

The process is simple:

The result will usually be decent. It may still feel similar to other AI-generated designs, but good skills help avoid the worst mistakes/slop. This is what most people use.

Method 2: Design It Yourself With AI

If you want something that actually stands out, you need to go deeper. You want people to land on your product and feel that real thought went into it. That requires a more intentional process.

You might be building:

Whatever it is, you need a clear direction first. If you do not know what you are building, AI will not figure it out for you.

Start With Meaning

Before anything else, define the foundation.

Ask yourself:

The UI should reflect the meaning of the product. Write this down. You can also use AI here, but not for design. Let it ask you questions instead.

For example:

Collect Inspiration

Once you have direction, start collecting references. A strong source is Mobbin.

It has real product screens across many categories. Do not just look at designs and think “this looks good.”

Ask yourself why.

Save anything useful.

Organize it into folders like:

Build your own reference library over time. That is also hw you develop "taste".

(The Mobbin link is an affiliate link. You can get 10% off your first three months, and I may receive a commission at no extra cost.)

Other useful sources:

also:
Do not copy entire designs. Combine ideas into something that fits your product.

Map the Structure

Now define what you actually need to build.
For a website:

For apps:

Each section needs clear content.
For example, a hero needs:

AI can help with copy, but clarity still comes from you.

Build Component by Component

Now you start building. Take individual ideas from your references and adapt them.
Instead of saying: “Build me a full website”

Say: “Create a hero section based on this style, adapted to my branding.”

Work step by step:

AI performs much better with smaller tasks. You also keep control.

Generate Custom Assets

Use image generation when needed. Tools like GPT Images 2.0 or Seedream 5.0 are strong enough now.

Give clear context:

Avoid generic stock images. Custom visuals make everything feel more cohesive.

The Workflow

The full process:

This produces far better results than one prompt.

Method 3: Use an Inspiration Board

There is a faster middle ground. Instead of building everything piece by piece, you can give AI a curated set of references.

Collect screenshots from:

Then tell the AI:

“Combine the style and direction of these references into a design for my product. Do not copy directly.”

Still give full context first. Let the AI ask questions. Then generate.

This is faster than building everything manually, but still much better than a generic prompt.

The Three Approaches

Fast, decent results.

Slow, highest quality.

Balanced approach.

Additional Tools

SVG Generation
Use Quiver to create SVGs.
SVGs allow for better animations because elements are separate.

Video
Use tools like Google Flow.
Video can enhance:

Image Libraries
Use platforms like Lummi when needed.
Just make sure images match your brand.

Layering
Use background removal and layering to add:

Small details do make a big difference.

Final Thoughts

AI should not replace your thinking.

You still decide:

AI just helps you execute faster. The best results will not come from better prompts. They will come from better taste.

I will share more about design, development, and building + tuts on making your first money online with AI soon. :)

If you have questions, leave a reply! Hope this helped. :)

(btw I yapped 30min to whispr and then edited the article with Codex)