AI & Design3 min readMay 15, 2025

AI Is a Leveler — We All Have 0 Years of AI Experience

It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been in UX, product, or visual design — tools like ChatGPT, Framer, and V0 aren't concerned about your resume. They care about your ability to adapt fast.

By Nqobile Vundla
AI in DesignBeginner’s MindsetDesign AdaptabilityPrompt Engineering
AI Is a Leveler — We All Have 0 Years of AI Experience

Let’s get honest: Your 10 years of experience? Irrelevant in this new game.

Because when it comes to AI, we’re all starting from scratch.

It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been in UX, product, or visual design — tools like ChatGPT, Framer, and V0 aren't concerned about your resume. They care about your ability to adapt fast.

This isn’t a bad thing. It’s a massive opportunity.

Here’s how to win when everyone’s starting at zero:

Adopt a beginner’s mindset — on purpose

Forget what you “already know” and get curious again. The best designers now are the ones who aren’t afraid to ask dumb questions, test fast, and play with AI tools like Cursor or V0 without waiting for permission.

Learn code-based design — even just enough

You don’t have to become an engineer. But tools like Cursor are making hybrid roles the new normal. Understanding how your UI ideas translates to code gives you leverage — especially when prototyping or collaborating in AI-paired workflows.

Speed is a skill — build it intentionally

AI isn't just about automation. It's about acceleration. Practice building MVPs, iterating concepts, and shipping prototypes fast. The quicker you go from idea to interface, the more valuable you become.

Master prompts, not just pixels

Prompting AI isn’t a side skill — it’s the skill. Knowing how to get AI to generate usable layouts, code snippets, or content direction is becoming just as important as traditional design tools.

Out learn everyone

Well, at least try to. The advantage now isn’t who knows the most — it’s who learns the fastest. Make it your mission to learn one new AI tool or framework each month. Be the designer who’s never outdated. You don’t have to be a master at all of them

Here’s the good news:

AI levelled the field. The playing board’s clear. The clock’s reset.

Now it’s not about who was the best — It’s about who can evolve the fastest.