Control, chaos, and the future of UX: Why AI is exposing the truth about UX with Dennis Lenard

Aug 21, 2025

Dennis Lenard, founder of Creative Navy and a seasoned UX educator, delves into how AI is reshaping perceptions of design. He argues that design is about meaning-making rather than mere screen creation. Dennis explores the anxieties designers face, reframing their roles as stewards of complex systems. He emphasizes empathy within teams, the importance of prioritization over mere production, and how AI should be seen as a tool that reveals design's true essence. His insights challenge designers to embrace chaos and rethink their influence within organizations.

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INSIGHT

Design Is System Management Not Pixel Pushing

AI exposes that design was never just about pixels; it's always been about managing systems and meaning.
Designers who focus on system-level meaning retain unique value despite automation.

INSIGHT

Perception Of AI Can Cause Poor Decisions

The real danger of AI is not capability but perception: people will replace roles based on what they think AI can do.
Cheap, comfortable substitutes risk lowering quality across systems.

ADVICE

Educate Stakeholders About The Workflow

Surface observations about the whole workflow instead of only executing assigned tasks.
Educate stakeholders about how decisions across the system create outcomes and missed value.

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AI isn’t killing design. It’s reminding us what design really is. In this episode, we talk about the illusion of control, why designers often feel powerless, and how the real work has always been about making meaning and managing systems, not just making screens.

What if AI isn’t changing design at all, but finally showing us what design has really been about this whole time?

It’s tempting to think AI is rewriting the rules of design. But maybe the truth is simpler: it’s exposing what design was always about.

In this conversation with Dennis Lenard, founder of Creative Navy, we explore how AI is pushing designers to confront the illusion of control, the limits of pixel pushing, and the bigger role of meaning-making. Dennis brings over 20 years of experience working in UX, teaching design, and writing on interface design for high-stakes industries like healthcare. His perspective? The anxieties we’re feeling aren’t new; they’re just harder to ignore now.

We cover why prioritization matters more than production, why empathy should extend to your team as much as your users, and how to reframe design as managing the system, not just the interface. If you’ve ever felt like AI is destabilizing your role, this episode will help you see it as a mirror, not a threat.

Topics:
• 04:16 – The Impact of AI on Design
• 08:11 – Navigating Control and Anxiety in Design
• 15:13 – Redefining Design Roles and Responsibilities
• 31:44 – Building Relationships and Empathy in Teams
• 37:21 – Leveraging AI for Designer’s Advantage
• 38:10 – The Double Diamond Model in Design
• 38:27 – The Importance of Designing the Right Thing
• 38:36 – AI’s Role in Design and Prioritization
• 40:29 – Human Empathy vs. AI in User Experience
• 42:27 – The Impact of Design in High-Stakes Industries
• 43:32 – Adapting Design Processes for Different Industries
• 44:30 – The Importance of Research and Critical Thinking
• 47:16 – Navigating Ambiguity and Focusing on Controllable Elements
• 47:50 – Practical Advice for Designers
• 58:07 – The Value of Attention and Continuous Improvement

Helpful Links:
• Connect with Dennis on LinkedIn

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