AI as Assistant or Adversary? A Human-Centered Reflection for Creatives
- Sandra Vilevac
- Sep 20, 2025
- 3 min read
This is the article I wrote without AI generation. AI was only used for grammar and tone.
As a human-centered design coach with over two decades of experience in innovation across industries—especially in STEM problem solving, with a career that has taken me from NASA collaborations to program design, education, and the arts—I’ve always believed in testing, exploring, and reflecting.
Six months into using AI regularly in my 9–5 work, I can say this: it has been both a scientific experiment and an adventure. And for the most part, I’ve truly enjoyed the ride.
AI as a Team in the Background
For years, I’ve thrived in environments surrounded by graphic designers, technical writers, and emerging creatives. Those teams energize me; they keep my work fresh and supported. But as a lead consultant now, my role has shifted. I’m less of a “director” and more of an “empowerer.” I often need to be the entire team myself—designer, writer, planner, and innovator.
That’s where AI enters. I treat AI as my background team—assistants who are ready to brainstorm, structure, and challenge my thinking. For example:
“I want to write an SOP. Where should I start?”
“My innovation team is skilled in planning and operations but new to technology development. How can I bridge that gap?”
These conversations are seamless. They save me days of effort because AI provides alternative perspectives that accelerate my own processing, spark new creativity, and push me to think differently. The time savings are real. The cost savings, too. And most importantly, AI has helped me expand my influence and impact on the teams I support.
The Double-Edged Sword
But there’s another side. I’ve noticed that AI can quietly build dependency—and in some cases, deplete creativity. That’s uncomfortable for me. So, I’ve built a reflective practice into my workflow to keep myself honest. Reflection is rare in many professional environments, but I believe it’s essential for maintaining both integrity and originality.
To stay grounded, I’ve put some safeguards in place:
Go cold turkey. Every so often, I take a month away from AI. This strengthens my own creativity and reawakens the personal skills I’ve honed over decades.
Talk with others. I bring these conversations back to human colleagues. It may take longer to reach solutions, but it deepens trust, sparks new ideas, and strengthens bonds.
Compare outputs. I regularly measure my results against AI’s. While AI is powerful, it can’t replicate my 45 years of absorbing knowledge, culture, and human experience.
What Reflection Reveals
This experiment has reaffirmed what I’ve always known: reflection will never be replaced by AI. Human-centered design thinking proves, again and again, that intentional reflection—whether individual or collective—creates insights no machine can match.
A Challenge to You
As we all learn to integrate AI into our work and lives, I offer you this challenge:
Use AI as an assistant to enhance your problem-solving.
Take intentional breaks from AI to avoid over-reliance.
Generate ideas independently and with your team—without AI.
Compare results and notice the differences.
Build space for machine-free creativity into your team culture.
Return to AI with a refreshed, balanced perspective.
Many blessings on your journey with Human-Centered Design. Keep practicing daily, and never stop reflecting.
Sincerely,
Coach Sandra
