Digital Burnout: AI Challenges Designers

The Impact of AI on the Daily Lives of Designers and Developers

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become an essential tool in many sectors, transforming the way professionals work. However, this omnipresence can sometimes give the impression that AI is taking control of our daily lives, particularly for designers and developers, who may experience what is known as "AI fatigue."

A Personal Experience with AI-Generated Applications

Some time ago, I felt the need to find a new app to track my expenses. While exploring the iOS App Store, I discovered a multitude of applications dedicated to financial management. However, as a user interface designer and front-end developer, I quickly noticed that many of these apps seemed to have been designed by algorithms rather than by humans. They lacked the personal touch and originality that only a human mind can bring.

In light of this observation, I decided to take matters into my own hands and create my own expense management app. I used Claude Code to develop a web application that I then integrated into the home screen of my iPhone, giving it the appearance of a native app.

The Creation of "froggo," a Personal Application

Although I am familiar with Claude Code for my professional and personal projects, this time, the experience was different. In my daily work, AI is an essential tool for coding websites, generating designs in Figma, and even drafting professional emails. Indeed, some projects start with designs generated in Figma using AI prompts, which are then transformed into real websites with the help of AI. The emails sent to clients, containing links to the completed sites, are also generated by AI. This workflow has become common, especially in front-end development, often cited as the industry most disrupted by AI.

However, using AI for a personal project during my free time made me realize that I was also delegating my leisure time to an automated process. This led me to identify a phenomenon of "AI fatigue," and I sought ways to better manage this situation. Here are some strategies I found helpful.

Reducing AI Use in Personal Life

• Not all tasks require the intervention of an AI assistant like ChatGPT or Claude. Even though AI can speed up certain tasks, accomplishing these tasks yourself provides a sense of satisfaction and achievement.

• If AI is omnipresent in your professional life, try to avoid it in your personal life. For example, plan your vacations without the help of AI, just as you did ten years ago, using Google and asking friends for recommendations.

• You may miss out on some attractions, but this is unlikely to have a significant long-term impact. The important thing is not to let AI turn your personal life into a mere extension of your professional life.

Finding Joy in Accomplishing Certain Tasks Yourself

It is essential not to delegate all tasks to AI, especially those that are fun or rewarding. Even if it takes more time, accomplishing these tasks yourself can be more satisfying.

• Identify the tasks you find enjoyable and do them yourself. For example, some developers prefer to code CSS animations by hand rather than letting AI do it.

• For me, writing is a personal activity that I never delegate to AI. Whether it's for this article, WhatsApp messages, Slack messages, or any other communication, I want writing to remain an expression of my thoughts. Writing is thinking, and I do not want to outsource that to a machine. While I may consult AI for advice or summaries, the writing itself is mine, and the final decision on what to change rests with me.

Avoiding the Pursuit of Excessive Productivity

AI can enhance productivity, but it is important not to strive to be 100 times more productive. This quest can lead to burnout and obsession.

• Focus on the quality of work rather than the quantity. Work is endless, and it is better to maintain a high but reasonable level of productivity while finding joy in what you do.

• Invest in the work itself rather than in the tools or methods that get you there. No tool is perfect, and trying to perfect them can be a source of unnecessary frustration. Work should be satisfying, not just productive.

Not Feeling Behind with New Technologies

In the tech sector, it is often said that one must adopt every new technology to avoid being left behind. However, it is important to remember that you are not behind if you do not test every new tool or AI assistant.

• You will learn the essential tools for your work in due time. There is no need to know all existing digital tools in advance. Tools will come and go, and they rarely matter in the grand scheme of things.

Conclusion: Finding Balance with AI

AI fatigue is a reality for many professionals, but it is possible to manage it by adopting certain strategies. Leaving AI at work and disconnecting in personal life can be liberating, reminding us of a time when technology did not invade every aspect of our lives.

My expense app, froggo, is an example of a personal project that allowed me to reflect on the impact of AI on my life. It continues to serve me every day, and I am convinced that others can also find ways to manage their relationship with AI.

If you have strategies that have worked for you, feel free to share them. AI is a powerful tool, but its use must be thoughtful to preserve our well-being and creativity.