The More Valuable Skill

I’m working on a visual brand identity for a client right now, which is funny because visual design is my weakest UX skill. I can analyze workflows, run ethnographic research, build product strategy. But translating a brand into colors, typography, and imagery? Not historically my strength.

So I’ve pulled in AI to assist. And while it’s not amazing (it makes some truly bonkers suggestions sometimes), the process feels a whole lot like editing writers or leading designers.

I describe what I’m going for. It makes a suggestion. I recognize what’s not working — the contrast is off, the gradient will disappear at small sizes. We iterate.

Same process as editing or leading: holding a vision of what good looks like and guiding the work toward it.

That gap between “can’t do it myself” and “can recognize when it’s done well”? That’s becoming the more valuable skill.

Originally published on LinkedIn