How Two Product Designers Actually Use AI (Prompting, Vibe Coding, and Real Work)

AI won’t replace designers. But designers who don’t know how to use AI properly are already falling behind. That's what you see a thousand times a day on social media. It is maddening.

In this episode, we counter that and go deep on how two product designers actually use AI in real design projects. No LinkedIn hype. No “just vibe code bro.” Instead, we talk about prompting, context building, early-stage exploration, and where AI genuinely saves time versus where it doesn't.

We discuss how AI fits into modern product teams, how designers are replacing wireframes with working prototypes, and why prompting is quickly becoming a core design skill.

This episode is for designers who want to move faster without losing their mind.

In this episode you’ll learn:
🔸 Why prompting is more important than the tool you use
🔸 How to structure prompts with goals and context
🔸 When AI should explore ideas vs. deliver output
🔸 Why wireframes are getting replaced by working prototypes
🔸 The real meaning of “vibe coding” (and what it is not)
🔸 How AI fits into professional, production-level workflows
🔸 Why generalist designers adapt faster to AI-driven teams

⏱ Chapters
00:00 Why designers struggle with AI adoption
03:18 What “vibe coding” actually means
07:02 Context first, prompts second
10:22 Replacing wireframes with real prototypes
14:05 AI as exploration, not final output
18:41 Prompting mistakes designers keep making
23:12 When to restart instead of fighting the model
28:10 Making prototypes realistic for stakeholders
33:05 Prompting tips that actually work
41:02 Why AI reinforces the generalist shift

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More about the hosts
Tyler: https://www.designtablepodcast.com/hosts/tyler-white
Nick: https://www.designtablepodcast.com/hosts/nick-groeneveld