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The traditional path of going straight from undergrad to graduate school isn’t for everyone. Many people choose to enter the workforce first to gain real-world experience before deciding to pursue an advanced degree. If you’ve been working for several years and are now considering going back to school at 30 (or any age really), there are plenty of resources available to help make that transition smoother.

Start With Your Employer

Your current company may actually be one of the best resources for going back to graduate school. Many employers, especially larger corporations, offer tuition assistance programs that can help cover a portion of the costs for approved degree programs. Even if you plan to use the degree to change careers afterwards, taking advantage of this benefit while still employed can save you thousands of dollars that would otherwise need to be paid out-of-pocket or through loans. 

The first step is to check with your HR department or review your company’s benefits policies regarding tuition reimbursement or assistance. You’ll likely need to submit a proposal for why the degree is relevant to your current role or the company’s needs. Having your manager’s support can go a long way in getting approval. 

Additionally, your manager and colleagues who have pursued further education can provide helpful insight into balancing coursework with your current job responsibilities. Get their advice on realistic course loads, how to discuss priorities with professors when deadlines conflict with work, and strategies for staying productive when juggling it all. They can also give you a realistic preview of what to expect in terms of your workload capacity.

Some employers may allow more flexible schedules or the option to go part-time while you’re in school. However, recognize that work responsibilities and client/customer needs will still likely take priority. You may need to get creative about making up hours earlier in the week or putting in evening/weekend time to account for classes and studying during normal business hours. Discussing expectations upfront with your boss can help ensure you have their full support when responsibilities occasionally overlap.

University Resources

Once you start researching and applying to graduate programs, the schools themselves become a valuable resource. Admissions counselors can fill you in on credential requirements for each program, accepted work experience that may count toward application requirements, program formats (part-time, evening, online options), and other support services for students returning to academia after a break.  

Most universities now have educational resources dedicated specifically to “non-traditional” or “adult” students who are coming back to school after years in the workforce. These offices can connect you with advisors who understand the unique challenges of being a “re-entry” student. They can help you get up to speed with the latest instructional technologies, refresh your academic writing skills, provide tutoring, and point you toward financial aid and scholarship opportunities for returning students.

Having a built-in community of people in similar circumstances can make the transition much easier. Most schools will have student organizations, mentorship programs, and peer networks specifically for non-traditional and adult learners. Being able to share experiences, swap tips on balancing life and coursework, or simply vent with others in the same situation can provide a huge support system.

Professional Associations

If you’re staying in your current field, professional associations related to your industry can point you toward recommended graduate programs and alternative credentials that may be valued by employers. For example, if you work in finance, an organization like the CFA Institute can steer you toward respected credentials like the Chartered Financial Analyst certification.

Many of these associations also offer continuing education courses, live and online seminars, training programs and other resources that can help bridge the gap between working full-time and going back to the classroom. You can start updating your academic skills and reintroducing concepts through these lower-stakes offerings before committing to a full graduate program. They also provide great networking opportunities to connect with other professionals interested in going back to school.

Student Loan Resources  

Of course, paying for graduate school is one of the biggest considerations when going back after years of earning a steady paycheck. After exhausting all avenues for employer tuition benefits and researching extensive grant and scholarship offerings for “non-traditional” grad students, you may still need to take out loans to cover costs.

Resources like the U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid website can walk you through the FAFSA process for grants and federal loans. They provide loan calculators to estimate borrowing needs, help compare lender options, and look into potential loan forgiveness programs based on your future career plans. 

There are also extensive private student loan options to supplement federal aid packages. Sites like Credible.com allow you to compare interest rates and terms across multiple private lenders at once. Different university websites, such as the University of Phoenix’s, provide detailed pages on the options available to students to finance their education. University financial aid offices are another great resource, as counselors can provide the most up-to-date information on aid packages, work-study options, graduate assistantships, and tuition payment plans specific to their school.

Building Your Support System

In addition to the concrete resources from employers, universities, professional groups and lenders, one of the most important things to establish when going back to grad school after years of working is a personal support system. Pursuing an advanced degree while working full-time is extremely demanding. You’ll need a strong network of friends, family, colleagues, and fellow students who understand the unique pressures you’re facing.

Rely on them for everything from pep talks during crunch times to helping cover household responsibilities when your schedule is overloaded. Let your inner circle know upfront that you’ll be making temporary sacrifices and may need to pass on some social events to focus on academics. But also schedule little breaks and rewards along the way to avoid burnout. Having a strong cheering squad to lean on can make all the difference in persevering through the journey.

Time Management Strategies

One of the biggest challenges of being a working student is finding enough hours in the day for all your responsibilities. Developing strong time management skills is crucial. Utilize tools like calendar blocking to dedicate set times exclusively for your classes, studying, work projects, and personal time. Eliminate distractions like social media during your designated academic blocks.

It can also be helpful to try different study tactics to maximize efficiency – techniques like working in timed intervals, or active recall with flashcards instead of just re-reading notes. Over time you’ll find the specific strategies that help you stay focused and retain more information in less time.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help or accommodations when you need them. Most professors understand the workload adult students are balancing and are willing to be flexible on deadlines in cases of work obligations or personal emergencies. Set realistic expectations with periodic breaks built in, so you can make it through each semester at a manageable pace.

Don’t let a few years out of the classroom deter you from pursuing a graduate degree and advancing your career. While it may require strategic planning and self-discipline, going back to school at 30 or anytime after entering the workforce is absolutely achievable. With some diligent research into all the available support services, resources, and financial assistance, you can map out the path that works best for your lifestyle and professional goals. The temporary balancing act of being a working student will in all likelihood pay off in the long run.

Featured image by Redd F on Unsplash

The post Furthering Your Education: Top Resources for Going Back to Grad School After Working appeared first on noupe.

Creating an online course is more difficult than it seems. The real challenge is standing out in a sea of quality online courses. Every day, countless courses pop up, so yours needs to shine if it has any chance of success.

Feeling the heat yet? Now think about the tech hurdles. Picking the right tools can be a maze. And then there’s engaging your audience. It’s tough to keep learners glued to the screen.

Here’s the good news: WordPress is your secret weapon. With its easy-to-use features and powerful plugins, launching a standout online course is within reach. 

In this article, we’ll teach you how to design and launch an online course using the WordPress platform. 

Ready to get started? 

Keep reading to learn more.

Understand your audience and course objectives 

Before you can get started in creating a successful online course, there are a few questions you’ll need to ask. 

Who’s your audience? What’s your goal? 

Thankfully, you’re designing this online course with WordPress, so this process just got a lot easier. Think of WordPress as more than just a platform. It’s your ally on every step of this journey.

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For instance, you can use plugins like Jotform, WPForms, or Quiz and Survey Master to survey your audience and find out essential information like:

• Average budget for online learning
• What they want to learn
• Gender breakdowns
• Their occupations
• Their age range
• Where they live
• Marital status

This feedback shapes your course. By knowing who you’re marketing to, you’ll have a much easier time choosing plugins and crafting course content. 

This is also when you need to set goals for your course — WordPress shines here, too. 

With plugins like LearnDash or LifterLMS, you can map out the entire course with these goals in mind. These tools let you design a clear path from start to finish. They offer quizzes, lesson plans, and progress tracking.

In short, WordPress equips you with the tools to understand your audience and craft courses that deliver results. It’s not just about content — it’s about creating a learning journey that resonates.

Choose the right WordPress tools and plugins

It’s vital to identify and install the right WordPress tools and plugins for your course to succeed. 

First up, you’ll need a Learning Management System (LMS) plugin. This software creates, manages, and delivers educational courses and training programs online. 

When integrated with WordPress, an LMS plugin transforms a standard website into a fully functional e-learning platform.

Popular LMS plugins for WordPress include LearnDash, LifterLMS, and Sensei, each offering a range of features tailored to different educational needs, from simple courses to complex training programs.

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Next up, payment gateways. They make buying courses easy. WooCommerce or Easy Digital Downloads work well here — they’re also secure and straightforward.

To build your email list, OptinMonster or MailChimp for WordPress can help. With personalized email marketing sequences, you can keep your students engaged and coming back for more.

If adding unlimited courses with advanced features, look into a membership plugin like MemberPress. It sets up exclusive areas that offer advanced content to subscribers or members who pay for access.

In addition to choosing the right plugins, consider enhancing your course with interactive live sessions. A robust video conferencing software can seamlessly integrate into your WordPress site, enabling real-time collaboration and dynamic learning experiences. 

This tool is particularly useful for courses that benefit from live discussions, Q&A sessions, and group projects.

You can also enhance engagement with tools like Jotform and Quiz and Survey Master. They can help you craft engaging quizzes and feedback forms. Jotform and WPForms can also help you create intuitive contact forms, registration pages, and more. 

For content protection and membership management, MemberPress allows you to restrict access to courses, manage subscriptions, and even create community forums. 

Combining these tools with your WordPress site can lead to more engaging, interactive, and professionally managed online courses.

Design engaging educational content 

Now it’s time to craft content for your online course. You’ll need to make it pop to succeed in a crowded marketplace. 

Start with a solid lesson plan. Break down complex ideas into bite-sized, digestible pieces to keep your learners hooked.

You can also use WordPress to bring your lessons to life. Add videos, infographics, and interactive quizzes. Just make sure you mix it up. Variety keeps learners engaged and eager for more.

Remember, your content is more than text on a screen. It needs to be an experience. Use a premium WordPress theme to make your course visually appealing. 

Make navigation easy, too. Your students need to find what they need with no fuss.

And don’t overlook SEO. Optimize your content for search engines to make it easy for learners to find your course through a simple Google search. WordPress plugins like Yoast SEO are essential here.

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Build your course structure on WordPress

When starting your online course on WordPress, the first step is to map out the course’s structure. As we mentioned before, use an LMS plugin like LearnDash. It’s an intuitive course builder that can simplify your lesson plans. 

This is essential for hosting unlimited courses with ease.

When crafting your content through the LMS, create modules that guide learners through each lesson. Make it engaging. Add quizzes and assignments to test their knowledge.

Don’t forget about the user experience — a premium theme on WordPress makes your course appealing and easy to navigate. And with the right hosting plan, your online course platforms run smoothly, no matter the traffic. 

Test and optimize your course

Ready to launch your WordPress course? First, you’ll need to test it by creating sample courses. Gather a sample group from your target audience demographic for feedback. 

If you spot any snags, then it’s time to optimize. Make sure your lesson content is clear and engaging. Your hosting plan needs to support smooth, fast access. This keeps learners happy and engaged.

Use WordPress to adjust your course based on feedback. Are the quizzes in your lesson plan hitting the mark? Is your course structure intuitive? Make the necessary tweaks before launching.

You can also leverage WordPress analytics tools to monitor progress. These can help you spot where learners get stuck. 

This is the step where you test, refine, and adapt. Your WordPress site isn’t just hosting your course—it’s an evolving online learning platform. By continuously improving, you guarantee your course remains relevant and practical. Outsource software development if you need help with your website optimization process. 

Market your course to the right audience

Once your course is ready, it’s time to spread the word. WordPress is the perfect platform for this. Make use of the plugins we discussed earlier for the best results.

Start with SEO. Make sure your course pops up in search engines. Use a plugin like Yoast SEO to nail those keywords.

Next, tap into your email list. Send promotional teasers to your course. Excite your audience. Plugins like MailChimp for WordPress can automate this process, making your life easier.

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Don’t forget social media. Share your course on all platforms. Use WordPress plugins like Social Media Share Buttons & Social Sharing Icons to link your site with social accounts. This boosts visibility.

Consider offering a sneak peek with sample courses or free lessons. This gives potential students a taste of what’s to come.

In short, market smart. Use WordPress tools to reach a wide audience. Make your online course the talk of the town. With the right strategy, your enrollment numbers can soar.

Launch your course and foster a learning community

Use WordPress to schedule launch posts and build anticipation. Tease your audience with snippets of course content.

As you prepare to launch your course, consider your business’s legal structure. Establishing an LLC can provide a safeguard, as it shields your personal assets, like your home and savings, from potential liabilities associated with your online course.

On launch day, hit that publish button. Announce it everywhere. Email your list. Post on social media. And use the WordPress plugins from the last section to amplify your reach.

Be sure to also engage with your audience. Answer questions and address any concerns. Your first students are critical as their feedback shapes your course’s future.

Measure success and scale up

Track your course’s impact. Use WordPress analytics to see who’s enrolling and completing it. If you notice trends, then act on them.

Is your content hitting the mark? Check your student feedback and make updates accordingly. Doing this regularly can keep your course fresh and relevant.

When you’re ready to grow, add more courses. Explore new topics identified through trends and feedback. Return to the first step of this guide and use WordPress to manage them all with ease.

Success in online education isn’t static. It’s about adapting and expanding. With WordPress, you have the tools to scale up and keep your learners engaged. Keep pushing. Your course’s potential is limitless.

Wrap up

You’ve now got the blueprint for online course creation success with WordPress as your foundation. The platform can help you craft engaging lessons and push the course out to the right audience.

Remember, the first step is deciding to take action. Don’t wait on it. Dive in and build your course. WordPress makes it manageable — and even fun.

So … got a course idea simmering? Bring it to life. Turn knowledge into impact. Your audience awaits.

Ready for more insights? Head to noupe.com. It’s your go-to for digital tips and tricks. Let’s make learning unstoppable. See you there!

Featured Image by Thought Catalog on Unsplash

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Starting a rental business on a SaaS platform is a lucrative venture, towards the growing trend of the sharing economy and digital transformation. 

Whether you plan to rent out properties, equipment, vehicles, or other goods, a SaaS platform is the helpful one to streamline operations, manage bookings, process payments, and scale your business efficiently. 

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover the steps needed to launch and grow a successful rental business on a SaaS platform, along with key strategies and tips.

What Is A SaaS Platform?

A Software as a Service (SaaS) platform is a cloud-based software delivery model where applications are hosted by a third-party provider and made available to customers over the Internet. 

In this model, users access the software through a web browser or application interface, rather than installing and maintaining it on their local devices.

7 Key Characteristics of SaaS Platforms

1. SaaS platforms are easily accessible. You only need internet access. This accessibility allows users to access the rental software from any location and on any device, including computers, tablets, and smartphones. 
2. The SaaS marketplace business model works on a subscription basis. Customers pay a recurring fee (monthly or annually) for access to the software. This pricing model often includes updates, maintenance, and support services.
3. SaaS applications are built to serve multiple customers (tenants) from a single shared instance of the software. This multi-tenancy architecture allows for efficient resource utilization and scalability.
4. SaaS providers are responsible for managing and maintaining the underlying infrastructure, including hardware, software, and security updates. This relieves customers of the burden of software maintenance and ensures they always have access to the latest features and enhancements.
5. SaaS platforms are designed to scale easily to accommodate changes in user demand. Providers can quickly allocate additional resources to meet growing customer needs without requiring users to upgrade or install new software.
6. SaaS platforms often offer customization options and integrations with other software systems to meet the specific needs of individual customers. This flexibility allows businesses to tailor the rental marketplace software to their unique workflows and requirements.
7. SaaS providers implement robust security measures to protect customer data and ensure compliance with industry regulations. This includes encryption, access controls, data backups, and regular security audits.

Getting SaaS platforms from skilled and long-term SaaS companies is essential to becoming a trendy player in the marketplaces. 

Why B2B SaaS Company?

Let’s delve into reasons to prefer the B2B SaaS Company. 

1. Facilitating quick launches of marketplaces across diverse industry domains, offering options for rental, selling, services, classifieds, and multi-niche platforms on a country-specific basis.
2. Feature-rich white-label SaaS marketplace platform empowering users to create online marketplace websites and mobile apps without extensive technical knowledge, tailored for peer-to-peer rentals, services, and product sales.
3. Enabling businesses and entrepreneurs to build and customize their online marketplaces, versatile for e-commerce, rental services, booking platforms, and more.

Overall, SaaS platforms from the familiar B2B SaaS companies offer businesses a cost-effective and flexible solution for accessing and managing software applications, enabling them to focus on their core operations and drive business growth.

How To Start A Rental Business Using SaaS Platform

Starting a rental business using a SaaS platform has great advantages. Also, you have to be careful when starting it, because a blunder mistake will cost you a lot.

Step 1: Define Your Niche

Identifying your niche is the first critical step in establishing a successful rental business. 

Your niche will not only determine what kind of items you are renting but also whom you are renting to. 

Consider factors such as market demand, competition, profitability, and your interests and expertise. 

For example, you might choose to focus on luxury vacation rentals, professional camera equipment, or party supplies.

Research and Analysis:

Conduct market research to validate your ideas. Look at market size, growth trends, competitor analysis, and customer demographics. Tools like Google Trends, industry reports, and surveys can be invaluable in this phase.

Step 2: Understand Regulatory Requirements

Every rental business must comply with local, state, and national regulations. These may include zoning laws, health and safety codes, licensing requirements, and insurance obligations.

Legal Framework:

Consult with a lawyer to understand the specific legal requirements for your chosen niche. You might need specific permits or licenses depending on the type of items you are renting.

Insurance:

Insurance protects both your business and your inventory. Consider what types of insurance (like liability, property, and loss of income insurance) are necessary for your operation.

Step 3: Set Up Your Business Model

Set up your rental marketplace business model. This will help you to decide how to structure prices and manage your inventory. 

Will you charge per day, per hour, or project? What kind of deposits, if any, will you require?

Pricing Strategy:

Your pricing should reflect the value of your offerings, and market demand, and cover your costs while ensuring profitability. Consider dynamic pricing models where prices adjust based on demand and seasonality.

Inventory Management:

Effective inventory management is crucial, especially as your business scales. Your SaaS platform should help you track item availability, maintenance schedules, and turnover rates.

Step 4: Choose the Right SaaS Platform

Selecting the appropriate SaaS platform for your rental marketplace software is critical. 

Because it will host your inventory, manage bookings, process payments, and serve as the interface for your customers.

Website and Integration:

Design a short-term rental software that is visually appealing, easy to navigate, and mobile-friendly. Ensure that it integrates seamlessly with your chosen SaaS platform for a smooth customer experience.

Key Features To Look For SaaS Rental B2B Marketplace Builder:

• User-friendly interface for both you and your customers
• Scalability to grow with your business
• Robust security features to protect your data and customer information
• Comprehensive booking management tools
• Integrated payment processing
• Support for mobile devices

Comparison and Trials:

Evaluate several platforms based on these features, costs, and reviews. Many SaaS Rental B2B Marketplace Builder providers offer free trials, which you can use to test their solutions before committing.

Step 5: Build an Effective Online Presence

Your online presence is your business’s face in the digital world. A strong, professional web presence can attract more customers and establish your brand’s credibility.

SEO and Content Marketing:

Implement search engine optimization (SEO) strategies to improve your website’s visibility in search results. Regularly publish relevant content, such as blog posts and articles, that addresses your target audience’s interests and needs.

Step 6: Marketing Your Rental Business

Effective marketing is key to attracting and retaining customers. Utilize both online and offline marketing strategies to reach a broader audience.

Digital Marketing:

Leverage social media, email marketing, PPC advertising, and influencer partnerships to promote your rentals. Tailor your messages according to the platforms and the audiences they reach.

Traditional Marketing:

Depending on your market, traditional methods like flyers, local newspaper ads, and partnerships with local businesses can be highly effective.

Customer Engagement:

Build relationships with your customers through excellent customer service, loyalty programs, and regular communication. Listen to their feedback and continuously improve your offerings based on their suggestions.

Step 7: Analyze and Optimize

Use analytics to monitor the performance of your rental business. Analyze data on sales, customer behavior, website traffic, and marketing campaign effectiveness.

Performance Metrics:

Key performance indicators (KPIs) might include occupancy rates, average rental duration, customer acquisition cost, and customer lifetime value. Use these metrics to make informed decisions about pricing, marketing, and inventory management.

Continuous Improvement:

Based on your analytics, refine your business processes and marketing strategies. Experiment with different approaches to see what works best for your business and customer base.

Conclusion

Starting a rental business on a SaaS platform involves careful planning and execution but can lead to significant rewards. 

By choosing the right niche, complying with legal requirements, selecting a robust SaaS platform, and effectively marketing your business, you can establish a successful rental enterprise that grows and evolves. 

Remember that the key to success in the rental industry lies in understanding your customers’ needs and continuously adapting to meet them. With dedication and strategic planning, your rental business can thrive in the dynamic and ever-expanding market landscape.

The post How To Start A Rental Business On A SaaS Platform? appeared first on noupe.

Customer research is an essential part of any business process. It gives companies insight into how the audience interacts with their specific products or services while also discovering key information about their user experience. Since user research has always been a long and complex process, many businesses have started implementing AI technology to take the workload off their shoulders. That’s why, this article will focus on the use of AI-powered customer insights, their benefits, and best practices in using them. 

By elaborating on the use of artificial intelligence in this field, businesses can discover which options best suit their needs and how to utilize this technology to their advantage. Furthermore, the article will focus on the impact these AI-powered customer insights have and how they affect the overall user experience. Continue reading to discover how to incorporate AI into customer research and its advantages.

Understanding AI in Customer Research

AI technology has experienced a consistent rise in popularity and effectiveness. With dozens of available online tools, such as User Evaluation, businesses aim to reduce the manual efforts in customer research by automating the most time-consuming aspects of this process.

Since artificial intelligence can mimic real-life cognitive functions, it’s constantly developing its learning and problem-solving abilities. When gathering precise and reliable customer insights, AI tools can utilize advanced algorithms and techniques to seamlessly process large volumes of data. By doing so, businesses can uncover valuable trends and patterns that may otherwise be missed or misinterpreted.

While it’s possible to manually analyze such data, researchers may overlook crucial information due to the vast amount of material. To minimize errors, AI utilizes sophisticated machine-learning models capable of classifying data, identifying correlations, and predicting behaviors based on previous results and patterns.

Furthermore, this technology uses natural language processing to aid in customer sentiment tracking and feedback analysis. This way, they can retrieve real-time insights into customer satisfaction gathered through various research methods and highlight potential areas for improvement.

The Impact of AI-Powered Customer Insights

So, how do AI-powered insights impact the user research process? Here are the main advantages researchers gain from implementing such technology:

• Time-saving
• Improved efficiency
• Customer-centric design

Time-saving

The main goal of utilizing artificial intelligence in user research is to relieve the burden of researchers. Instead of spending hours gathering and organizing research findings manually, this technology can review large volumes of data in seconds. 

Improved efficiency

Furthermore, AI minimizes the chances of human error and ensures fast and efficient results. Although these tools still require manual input for optimal results, businesses can rely on AI to minimize the risk of overlooking key information. Since the AI will take care of the most time-consuming aspects of the process, researchers can focus on analyzing the results and crafting appropriate strategies based on their findings.

Customer-centric design

With detailed insights into the user experience, many businesses can tailor their products to fit their customer’s needs. Moreover, by identifying the key pain points and recurring patterns, it’s easier to make data-driven decisions for enhanced customer experience. 

Understanding the target audience allows businesses to develop personalized marketing strategies that resonate better with customers. Alongside sentiment analysis features, they can deliver real-time customer feedback, enabling organizations to identify emerging issues and promptly respond to customer concerns. As a result, organizations can cultivate strong customer relationships, fostering greater satisfaction and loyalty.

Best Practices for Implementing AI in Customer Research

Having explored the use and power of AI in customer research, it’s also important to acknowledge the best practices for implementing such technology in the process. The first step for every business is to choose the right tool tailored to their unique circumstances. With numerous options found online, it’s of utmost importance to seek those that have features designed for customer research. 

Next, it’s important for companies to set clear research goals and objectives beforehand. Doing so will allow them to focus on the most important business matters and keep their research straightforward. By determining the specific insights they wish to uncover, businesses can select the appropriate research methods to achieve the desired results more effectively.

Lastly, it’s essential for companies to monitor and analyze their research efforts and findings. Even the most advanced AI technology won’t be of any use if the business doesn’t keep track of its results. By comparing the latest research findings with past ones, companies can easily determine if their strategies are effective or if there are improvements needed.

Conclusion

Having discussed the use and benefits of AI-powered customer insights, it’s important to remember that this technology is still evolving. While most functions still require human input and review, artificial intelligence can greatly accelerate the process and ensure efficient results. By aiding in the most time-consuming aspects of the process, it allows researchers to focus on more important matters, such as research analysis and crafting data-driven solutions.

Featured image by Adrien Delforge on Unsplash

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Have you seen the photo called “PSEUDOMNESIA: The Electrician”? It’s visually arresting; sure. But that’s not all. The photo won a major photography award in March 2023. 

But the photographer, Boris Eldagsen, did something unexpected – he declined the prize. Turns out, the image was created with AI. 

Eldagsen submitted his AI-generated photo in the competition, just to see what would happen. He might not have anticipated winning the competition, but the events triggered some deep and urgent discussions in the world of art. 

Among these was the question: what’s the role of a human expert in the artistic process?

Let’s chisel the question a bit and apply it to the world of design.

What’s the role of a graphics designer in the age of AI?

Let’s pick off from an interview that Eldagsen gave weeks after the event. In this interview, he had the following to say.

“I started with photography because drawing was a lonely job. I was always experimenting. So when AI generators started, I was hooked from the very beginning. For me, as an artist, AI generators are absolute freedom. It’s like the tool I have always wanted. I was always working from my imagination as a photographer, and now the material I work with is knowledge. And if you are older, it’s a plus, because you can put all your knowledge into prompting and creating images. If I were 15, I would have probably just generated Batman.”

In these words, Eldagsen has offered a thinking framework for artists (graphics designers included) who are grappling with the question of how they keep themselves relevant in the age of AI design. 

His experiment and his interview comments make some interesting revelations.  

• In the world of design, we need to shift the focus from “This looks cool” to “Okay, why does this work so well?”. AI can make pretty pictures, but understanding the principles behind great work is what separates a true designer.
• Effort still matters. Even with AI, Eldagsen made over 60 edits to his image. Great design, whether human-crafted or AI-infused, still requires thought, refinement, and plain old hard work.
• AI mastery will take you to the top. If you learn to harness AI, you can reach the top of your field. More importantly, you might find that the view from the top isn’t as impressive as you’d imagined. The real challenge starts then.

Intrigued? Now we’re ready to explore the essential skills that will make you an irreplaceable designer in this new landscape.

1. Think deeply about your work

Let’s start by asking a fundamental question: what does it really mean to be a designer? 

Let’s take an example. A rookie designer, when tasked with website design, might conceptualize the work as merely arranging elements in Figma. But true mastery lies in thinking deeply about the purpose of your work. After all, a website isn’t just a digital brochure; it’s the online embodiment of a brand. Just as a well-tailored suit projects confidence and professionalism, a well-designed website should instantly communicate the essence of the brand’s personality and values. If you think about your work in terms of why that work is needed, you’ll always stay ahead of AI. 

Let’s explore a few more examples:

• Sure, AI could whip up a logo in minutes. But a true design expert understands the power of symbolism, color psychology, and typography. A great logo distills a company’s mission into a single, unforgettable mark. AI doesn’t think like that; a great designer does. 
• Packaging design isn’t about making pretty boxes. For a customer, to unbox is a tactile, sensory experience. An expert packaging designer considers form, function, sustainability, and the unboxing ritual – all while communicating the brand story. AI can’t do this.
• An illustration isn’t just decoration. It can convey complex ideas, evoke emotions, and guide a user’s eye. Think of the difference between a generic stock photo and a custom illustration that perfectly captures the mood of your content. This is also the difference between a rookie illustrator and one who’s worked on 100+ projects. 

The key difference? AI operates at the task level – it can make things look good. But as a human designer, you can transcend mere visuals. You bring a deeper understanding of purpose, meaning, and the subtle nuances that resonate with your audience. This is your advantage, and it’s absolutely worth cultivating.

2. Strive to become a great service professional

One of the keys to becoming an AI-proof designer is to understand that your job goes way beyond what’s written in the job description. The JD might cover 25% of your actual work, but the other 75% can never be defined. It evolves in the real world, as you deal with real people and real situations.

Think about it – design doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Your work exists within the context of an organization made up of humans, each with their own personalities, experiences, and agendas. Every day, unexpected situations and curveballs get thrown your way. And you’ve got to be thankful for this. 

This is where you have a massive advantage over AI. While AI can crunch data and follow rules, it cannot understand human nuance, context and unpredictability the way you can as a living, breathing person. AI can’t deal with office politics, project constraints, or connect with the story of a brand. 

Your opportunity is to lean into this human element of design work. Don’t just go through the motions – be truly present, observant and excited about the inherent messiness of the real world you operate in. Embrace the chaos and complexity, because that’s where you shine.

3. Think of yourself as a leader and AI tools as smart freshers

Let’s talk about how you can co-design with AI tools instead of being anti-AI. The key is to think of AI as your smart assistant that can handle certain tasks, while you elevate yourself to a higher role of supervisor, mentor, and reviewer.

Imagine you’re a designer working on a new app. Brainstorming color schemes can eat up valuable time. Enter an AI design tool wherein you can describe your brand (think “energetic, youthful”) and instantly get a palette of harmonious options. Now you, the human designer, get to choose the one that best captures the app’s vibe. Moments before you were staring at a blank screen; now you’re reviewing a dozen possibilities. 

Here’s another example. A lot of designers are familiar with being stuck on a wireframe. Now imagine an AI design tool to which you can describe your app’s functionality – login page, user profile, etc. – and which can then generate a basic layout. This frees you up to focus on the user journey: how users flow through the app, and where to place key features for optimal usability.

These are just a few examples. Co-designing with AI isn’t about replacing your expertise. 

“AI is not the enemy; it’s the new paintbrush. The brilliance lies not in the tool itself, but in the artist’s vision and the skill with which they wield it.” 

Nevilson Christian, founder of SeekThem

So, are you ready to become an AI-powered designer? Don’t fear the AI wave. Grab your surfboard, charge at it, and ride it.

Featured image by Alice Dietrich on Unsplash

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