Product Design as the Ultimate Differentiator: How Thoughtful Craft can Outshine Automated Clones

This week, I was chatting with my colleagues about how the world’s changing fast. AI and tech are now in everyone’s hands—every person, every business. Anyone can build apps, automate tasks, or get stuff done in a snap. But when everyone’s got the same tools, what makes one business stand out? We all agreed: it’s not the tech—it’s the design. Then, this morning, I was scrolling through my Kindle and rediscovered a book I read a while back, Ruined by Design by Mike Monteiro. One idea I’d highlighted hit me hard: designers have the power to shape the world, but only if they roll up their sleeves and do the real work. That thought, tied to my own journey pushing boundaries with design and tech, was the spark for this article—a wake-up call for all the real designers out there. A massive design boom is coming, and it’s time to get ready. In a world where tech is everywhere, great design will be what sets you apart. This post is about why design matters more than ever, why lazy “talkers” are in trouble, and how passionate, hard-working designers will shape the future.

Tech Is Everywhere: Design Makes the Difference

AI has flipped the script. From small business owners to big companies, anyone can use AI to create something cool. Tools like no-code platforms and AI workflows make it easy for everyone to jump in. But here’s the problem: when everyone’s using the same tech, it’s hard to be different. That’s where customer experience comes in, and design is the heart of it.

Imagine two apps that do the same thing. One is clunky and annoying; the other feels smooth, easy, and even fun. Which one do you keep using? The one that feels good. That’s design working its magic. Design isn’t just about making things look nice—it’s about creating experiences that actually help people. If designers don’t step up and take responsibility for their work, they’re not just letting down their users—they’re letting down everyone.

Designers, you’ve got the power to create experiences people love. That’s what will make businesses stand out.

Great Design Feels Personal

With so many choices out there, people want experiences that feel special. Good design doesn’t just get the job done—it makes you feel understood. Think of an online store that knows what you like, guides you easily, and makes shopping a breeze. That’s the kind of design that keeps people coming back.

Great design is like a friend who gets you. It’s not about flashy graphics—it’s about making something that feels real and human. Businesses that nail this will win, and designers who can create these personal experiences will be the ones everyone wants.

Real Designers Will Rise

Tools like Figma have made it super easy for anyone to create designs. That’s awesome, but it’s also led to a ton of people calling themselves designers just because they know the software. Being a real designer is about way more than tools. It’s about understanding people, solving problems, and thinking hard about what you’re creating.

AI can handle boring stuff like making wireframes or resizing images. That means designers who only know tools might struggle. But real designers—the ones who care about people and think big—will shine. A hammer can build a house or smash a window—it’s up to the person holding it. Design tools are the same. It’s not about the software; it’s about what you do with it.

This is where the line gets drawn. The design boom is coming, and it’s going to lift up the designers who pour their hearts into their work. But it’s also going to expose the ones who’ve been coasting.

Stop Talking, Start Doing: A Warning to Lazy “Designers”

Speaking of coasting, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the so-called “designers” who think they can just talk their way through. You know who I mean—the self-proclaimed “design thinkers,” managers, or directors who sit in meetings, toss around buzzwords like “user-centric” or “disruptive,” and act like they’re above the hard work. They critique everyone else’s designs but never create anything themselves. They think design is about looking smart in a boardroom, not sweating through problems to make something that actually works.

This tech boom is a warning to them: your lazy days are over. Design isn’t about talking big or hiding behind a fancy title. It’s about getting in the trenches—stressing over user feedback, tweaking prototypes late at night, and fighting for what’s right for the user. Real design thinking happens when you’re wrestling with tough problems. The whole point of design is to create something meaningful, and that starts with designers who actually do the work.

AI is exposing the fakes. It’s automating the easy stuff, so only the passionate, hard-working designers will survive. If you’re just a talker, your time’s up. The future belongs to those who create with heart, grit, and purpose.

Your Next Steps: Get Ready to Crush It

Designers, the future is yours, but you’ve got to seize it. My own journey—recruiting passionate designers, building Gen-AI products like Style Your Space, my Low, and pushing boundaries—shows what’s possible when you dive in headfirst. This design boom is for the bold, the ones who never stop growing. Here’s how to get ready to dominate:

1. Learn Every Fucking Thing You See: Don’t just stick to design. Soak up everything—tech, psychology, science, space, you name it. Dive into AI, study how people think, read about the universe. Be a learning machine and make every bit of knowledge your superpower.

2. Explore New Industries and Challenges: Don’t settle in one industry. Great designers solve problems everywhere—healthcare, finance, education, and beyond. I’ve been dreaming up apps that cross boundaries, like pairing wines with food, and it’s kept my creativity sharp. Step out of your comfort zone and try new fields to grow as a true designer. Staying in one space too long can hold you back, so keep exploring to stay inspired.

3. Master Technology: Tech is the engine of this new world. Learn how it works—coding, AI models, APIs, the whole deal. I’ve used tools like Gemini Flash to build innovative features, and knowing tech makes my designs stronger. You don’t need to be an engineer, but you need to know enough to design with confidence and talk to tech teams like a pro. The more you understand tech, the more powerful your designs will be.

Design is about action, not just ideas. Get out there, learn like crazy, and build something epic. The design boom is coming, and you can lead the charge.