The Resurgence of the UX Generalist in the AI Era
In recent years, we’ve witnessed a major shift: artificial intelligence is rapidly integrating into the design world, from generating user flows to refining color schemes and even crafting interface copy. AI has evolved from being just a tool to becoming a collaborator. This shift has paved the way for the comeback of the UX generalist—professionals with well-rounded skills who can adapt across the design spectrum.
The Growing Importance of Generalists
Once, “UX unicorns” were seen as a myth—people who could do everything. But as UX matured, specialization took center stage. Large teams had the luxury of dividing responsibilities. However, today’s AI-driven design landscape has changed the game. As AI takes on specialized tasks, the ability to see the bigger picture and connect the dots has become invaluable.
A UX generalist today doesn’t need to be an expert at everything. Instead, they need a wide-ranging skill set, complemented by AI, to confidently move between tasks, synthesize different viewpoints, and take a project from idea to execution.
What a Modern UX Generalist Does
- Uses AI to explore multiple UI variations quickly
- Refines content to suit tone and context
- Integrates research insights directly into user journey mapping
- Spots inconsistencies in visual design and information architecture
These generalists aren’t replacing specialists; they’re adding agility to teams. In organizations with lower UX maturity, a single skilled generalist can drive more progress than an entire siloed team.
Becoming a Well-Rounded Professional
The rise of AI doesn’t signal the end of specialization—it’s a call for more people to work across boundaries. Today’s UX generalists aren’t mythical creatures. They’re real professionals who blend broad UX skills with the ability to bring ideas to life using AI.
To thrive, start by building a solid foundation in UX basics. Explore adjacent skills, whether that’s content strategy or research. Lean into strategic thinking and embrace AI as a collaborator. Adaptability is key—this mindset will define the next era of UX success.
Source: BRANDCOM
