AI isn’t just changing how we design—it’s changing what we design. Interfaces are turning into prompts, agents, even invisible mics. Products are becoming relationships. And personalization is shifting from “Hey, first name” to experiences that actually understand us.

There’s a lot being written about the intersection of AI and experience (much of it seemingly written by AI), but design often gets left out of the conversation.

Which is unfortunate given that experience is where it all comes to life—or falls apart. It’s how intelligence becomes intuitive. How prompt responses become personalities. How data becomes trust. The more I see how people use AI, the more I believe the future of experience won’t be decided by the smartest model, but by the teams who design how we engage with it.

So how do you design for it? While universal interaction patterns and best practices are still emerging, there are foundational principles beginning to take shape. Based on what I’m seeing in the field, here’s where that starts.

1. Data-Driven, Human-Led

Human led creativity is more important than ever. AI lets us iterate faster than ever—learning from every interaction and adapting in real time. But speed without vision is noise. The future of experience design depends on a balance: using data to evolve, and human creativity to ensure it still means something.

2. Embedded Personalization

Personalization should feel like design, not a data trick. AI enables deep personalization—but the goal isn’t just tailored content, it’s natural integration. Experiences should feel like they already know the user because they adapt subtly across modes, surfaces, and intents.

3. Voice-First, Multimodal Always

Design for voice first—not because everyone’s using it yet, but because it forces a rethink of how users search, navigate, and experience your brand. At the same time traditional visual UI still matter–and now, they have to work in sync. True multimodality means designing systems that fluidly combine voice, text, touch, and visuals into one seamless, context-aware experience.

4. Experience Transparency

Be open with your audience where AI is shaping experiences and you will earn trust. As AI takes on more decision-making, users need clarity—not mystery. Experiences must reveal how and why AI acts, with built-in ways to interrogate, understand, and trust its behavior. Transparency isn’t just ethical—it’s strategic. It builds confidence, defuses friction, and enables true human-AI collaboration.

5. Ethical Reasoning, Inclusive Design

Inclusive design and ethical reasoning will increasingly be important in a world of AI driven experience. Embed ethical considerations into the design process, ensuring that AI systems are inclusive, unbiased, and respect user privacy. Conduct regular audits and incorporate diverse perspectives to mitigate potential biases and ethical concerns.

AI will reshape experience as we know it—but only if we design for it with intention. The opportunity isn’t just a smarter world. It’s more human experiences—adaptable, intuitive, and trustworthy by design. That means leading with creativity, guided by data. Embracing personalization without losing authenticity. Building interfaces that flex across voice, touch, and screen. And above all, never forgetting the human on the other side of the experience.

Because the future of experience won’t be powered by AI alone. It’ll be shaped by the people who design it well.