Is AI killing UI? Or Evolving It?

Recently, I came across this tweet:

AI is eating UI.

— Naval (@naval) January 19, 2025

It got me thinking about the future of design.

We’re on the brink of a fundamental shift in how we interact with technology. User interfaces (UIs), as we know them, are starting to disappear. Instead of clicking through menus or tapping buttons, we’re moving toward natural language commands—where saying something as simple as, “I need that file,” will be enough for the app to understand what you mean.

Think of it less like Minority Report with its flashy, gesture-based interfaces and more like Jarvis from Iron Man or Scotty in Star Trek. A smart assistant that understands your intent and delivers results seamlessly.

what does this mean for designers?

1. Is This Shift Realistic?

I’m torn.

On one hand, this vision feels far off. For example, self-driving cars have been “just around the corner” for over a decade, yet we still don’t see them everywhere. AI interfaces could follow a similar trajectory, progressing slowly as technology catches up.

On the other hand, AI has already reshaped parts of our daily lives. Many of us are using AI-powered tools to complete tasks without even realizing it—autocorrect, recommendation systems, and even some chatbots. But there’s a significant gap between early adopters and the global majority.

Consider this:

• Not everyone lives on the cutting edge. While some use AI daily, many are oblivious to its capabilities.
• AI experiences vary by context. Using AI in Spanish, for instance, feels much less refined than using it in English. These gaps remind us that global accessibility is still a challenge.
• We need an override function. Blindly throwing commands at a “black box” without understanding the process or results can create confusion—or worse, failure. Design will still play a critical role in providing clarity and trust.

2. Is Design Dead?

No. But it is evolving.

The way we approach design will change dramatically in the coming years. Here’s what I see happening:

• Designing for simplicity. Instead of crafting elaborate interfaces, designers will focus on making AI interactions intuitive, natural, and seamless.
• The rise of adaptive UIs. Technology that molds itself to users, rather than requiring users to adapt to it, will redefine how we think about UX.
• UX will gain more value. When interacting with technology becomes frictionless, the role of UX designers in understanding behavior, intent, and context will become more crucial than ever.
• Opportunities for small builders. With AI tools becoming accessible, smaller creators will have the ability to compete and innovate in ways that were previously out of reach.

3. AI Is Not UI

AI isn’t a replacement for UI—it’s an evolution of it.

Instead of replacing design, AI becomes a new layer within the design process. It’s a component that, when used thoughtfully, can enhance user experiences by anticipating needs and reducing friction.

The future of design isn’t about throwing out everything we know. It’s about building on it—adapting, learning, and pushing boundaries. Designers will be the ones to ensure that AI interactions remain human, ethical, and meaningful.