When Everyone Prompts, Thinkers Win: The Designer’s Edge in the AI Era

This session explores why critical thinking, not tool mastery, is the real edge for designers in an AI-driven world. As AI accelerates outputs, knowing how to question, reframe, and think deeply ensures work remains human-centred, ethical, and original.

Main takeaways:
Attendees will leave with practical strategies to apply critical thinking alongside AI, spotting bias, reframing problems, and designing with intention. Empowering them to stay creative, strategic, and human-first in fast-moving AI workflows.

Alex G, is a design lead at Cisco, where they lead AI-driven cybersecurity experiences for incident responders. She works at the intersection of AI, critical thinking, and design leadership, turning complex, high-stakes workflows into confident human decisions.

Alex is also a passionate mentor, helping designers grow into strategic leaders who challenge assumptions, shape roadmaps, and design with intent.