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Human First, Designer Second: Navigating AI, Ethics, and Connection (Insights from Eric Heiman)

In an age where AI is advancing at breakneck speed, designers and creatives find themselves at a critical junction—how do we balance the efficiency and innovation brought by AI with the ethical need for human connection and environmental responsibility?


Eric Heiman, a veteran designer and educator, shared profound insights on The Developing Life podcast, revealing how design and AI can co-exist without sacrificing the core values of humanity. His approach can serve as a blueprint for anyone navigating these challenges in creative industries today.


(Full conversation available here https://youtu.be/r-B1c5dHUes?si=HpPWMFDqxCsMHgxN)




The Human-First Approach in Design

For Heiman, the heart of design is not about technology or flashy aesthetics but about people—design is for people. His philosophy, "Human First, Designer Second," urges us to prioritize the "why" over the "what" in design. He challenges us to ask how our work interacts with the real world and its communities, not just the immediate, superficial demands of a project.


Heiman’s belief that good ideas come from life experiences, rather than from the confines of a computer screen, is a call to action for designers and creatives everywhere. “Life informs design,” he says, emphasizing that a meaningful design is not about the hours spent behind a screen but about how we engage with the world around us. Whether it's drawing inspiration from nature, human interaction, or even a walk through the city, design is a reflection of real human experiences.


People immersed in the Neon Musuem in Las Vegas Nevada

AI's Role: Disruption or Opportunity?

AI is undoubtedly a disruptor in the design world. Like the invention of the Macintosh in the 1980s, AI is poised to change workflows, reduce certain jobs, and even upend the way we approach design. However, Heiman remains cautiously optimistic about AI's role. He doesn’t see AI as a replacement for designers but rather a tool that could free us to focus on more meaningful, complex work. AI, when ethically applied, can help designers focus on the “why,” “who,” and “where” rather than being bogged down by the technical “how” of the creative process.


The concern, however, lies in the rapid speed of AI's development. Heiman pointed out that while AI can generate images and ideas quickly, it risks diminishing the depth of human creativity that emerges from hands-on experience and the imperfections of human touch. "We crave things we can touch and feel—things that bear the remnants of the human hand," Heiman notes. This craving for authenticity might be a reaction against the "hyper-perfect" world AI is creating, where every design can be flawless but may lack soul.


Ethical AI: What Could It Look Like?

What if AI could be ethically designed to not just be efficient, but to also be conscious of the impact it has on both people and the environment?


Heiman envisions an "ethical friction layer" in AI—an AI system that doesn’t just generate designs but also evaluates them for their ethical impact. Imagine an AI that could tell you: “This design will result in excessive material waste,” or “This project could perpetuate harmful stereotypes.” This type of AI could guide designers to make more ethical decisions, reducing harm to both people and the planet.


Furthermore, he suggests that AI could incorporate environmental sustainability into its decision-making process, offering alternatives that reduce waste and carbon footprints. In a world increasingly aware of environmental degradation, such an AI could be a game-changer, allowing designers to create not just aesthetically pleasing work, but work that aligns with ethical and environmental values.


People gathered to experience tech by HYPERVSN at CES Las Vegas

The Future of Human Connection

In the post-pandemic world, we’ve become more reliant on technology than ever before—yet we crave the human touch now more than ever. Heiman believes that as AI and technology become more prevalent, we may see a swing back toward a desire for human connection and imperfection. "Friction is good," he says, reflecting on the importance of in-person experiences, whether it's a physical event, a hand-drawn sketch, or a face-to-face conversation.


Heiman’s work with the Harvey Milk Memorial project highlights the importance of designing with—not for—communities. By engaging local communities in the design process, he was able to create something that not only honored Milk’s legacy but also embodied the community's values and experiences. This type of participatory design, he suggests, could be a model for future AI development—where technology works with people, not just for them, in creating meaningful, lasting change.


A Call to Action for Designers and Creatives

For those working at the intersection of design, AI, and ethics, Heiman offers this challenge: Think bigger. Use AI not to replace human creativity but to enhance it. Focus on the human experience, even as we embrace technological tools. Make design about more than just efficiency—make it about meaning, connection, and impact.


In a world where AI is becoming more advanced and widespread, the role of the designer may shift, but the need for human-first, ethical, and environmentally responsible design will only grow. The future is uncertain, but as Heiman says, it’s about trusting our instincts and making sure that even in a digital, AI-driven world, we keep people at the center of everything we create.


Model Hannah Long in front of an AI Reactive Screen

Conclusion

Eric Heiman’s thoughts on the ethical use of AI, human-centered design, and the power of community engagement offer a vision of the future where technology serves humanity rather than replacing it. As designers, creatives, and innovators, our task is not to shy away from AI but to embrace it in ways that promote human connection, ethical practice, and environmental sustainability.


If you're a designer, creative, or simply someone interested in the future of human-centered, ethical design, let this serve as a reminder: Our work is for people. Let’s make sure that in everything we create, we keep that truth at the forefront.

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