# The Future of Digital Design in the AI Era

How is AI reshaping the world of design?

- **Source:** [Smashing Magazine](https://www.smashingmagazine.com)
- **Published:** 2026-07-28
- **Topic:** [Design & UX](https://brifing.si/c/design)
- **Original article:** <https://smashingmagazine.com/2026/07/digital-design-ai-era/>
- **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/d7e7228a-6fb9-4745-92cb-be65fd7bc9c7

## AI's Impact on the Design World

Artificial intelligence is creating both excitement and concern in the digital art and design fields. Tools like OpenAI’s Dall-E, Midjourney, and Leonardo.ai raise questions about whether they could replace human artists. These tools are trained on real artists' works, leaving many feeling they have no choice but to accept AI into their lives and work.

## The Importance of Human-Centric Design

While AI will undoubtedly reshape many industries, human factors like empathy and personalization have never been more critical. MacPaw sees AI not as a replacement for human creativity but as an experience centered around people. This approach offers a fresh perspective on how AI assistants are designed.

## Limitations of Traditional AI Assistants

Traditional AI assistants like Claude and ChatGPT typically appear as text boxes or web pages on screens. While familiar and comfortable, interactions can feel technical and transactional. MacPaw aims to overcome these limitations by creating a more personal and differentiated experience.

## The Role of Character Design

MacPaw designed Eney, a new AI assistant. Eney is not just a tool but a character that proactively supports users' workflows. Designed to express emotions like humans, Eney fosters a connection with users. Human animation and intervention played a critical role in balancing Eney’s cheerful yet professional demeanor.

## Eney’s Design Process

Eney’s design focused on avoiding an overly cute or childish appearance. On-screen movements were limited to prevent distractions. A circular figure was chosen to create a calm, floating digital companion. Eney’s minimal face design and pink color were selected to stand out among other AI products.

## AI Tools in the Design Process

AI can accelerate design processes but cannot replace artistic direction, integrity, and emotional sensitivity. MacPaw used AI tools in designing Eney, but human designers made every critical decision. This process highlighted AI’s role as a tool, not a replacement for human creativity.

## AI’s Potential for Designers

AI tools can be useful in research and idea generation phases. For example, tools like Perplexity and ChatGPT can gather information in early stages. However, these tools are merely assistants, and final design decisions must be made by humans. AI enhances speed and efficiency but cannot replace creativity.

## The Future of Design

AI’s increasing presence in the design world is inevitable. However, values like human-centric design, empathy, and artistic integrity will always remain crucial. Designers should learn and integrate AI tools into their creative processes but remember they are just tools. AI can support design but can never fully take over.

## Sources covering this story

- https://smashingmagazine.com/2026/07/digital-design-ai-era/ — 

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_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._