# How We Created a Learning Space for Designers to Master AI Slack's design team built a collaborative environment to make AI learning accessible. - **Source:** [Slack Design](https://slack.design) - **Published:** 2026-07-08 - **Topic:** [Design & UX](https://brifing.si/c/design) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/cd4d6e2e-c391-4a98-a183-eb8ff631cf7e ## The Beginning: AI Curiosity and First Steps Slack's design team was curious about AI but unsure where to start. In 2025, they created a low-stakes learning environment through a Slack channel. When they realized AI was not future tech but present reality, they took more serious steps to adapt. ## Builder Days: Cross-functional AI Collaboration The team launched Builder Days - a 3-day event where designers, engineers and PMs set aside roadmaps to create with AI. The goal was to explore AI's boundaries through hands-on experimentation rather than theoretical learning. ## Training For Designers, By Designers Existing AI training for engineers didn't meet designers' needs. Slack developed a program using designers' language and workflows. The focus was on practical experience over polished perfection, creating a safe space to learn through trial and error. ## Real-time Learning and Experience Sharing The 'Designers Who Vibe AI' Friday sessions prioritized live questions and screen sharing over prepared demos. Participants explored AI's rapidly evolving landscape together. 'Let AI teach you how to use AI' became their guiding principle. ## Redefining Success Success at Builder Days meant understanding when AI works and when it doesn't. A designer-friendly guide simplified technical jargon to lower barriers. Making mistakes was embraced as part of the learning process in this experimental environment. ## The Human Factor Matters More AI's rapid outputs increased, not decreased, the need for human judgment and collaboration. The most successful teams maintained clear plans and constant communication. Managing AI tools proved as crucial as the technical skills to use them. ## New Collaboration Models with AI Experiences showed AI fundamentally changes team dynamics. More time now goes to high-value activities like decision-making, brainstorming and co-creation. For designers, AI is becoming not just a tool, but a new creative partner in the design process. ## Sources covering this story - https://slack.design/articles/we-didnt-teach-our-designers-ai-we-built-a-place-where-they-could-learn-it-together/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._