EP 84. Redefining UX Design: A Deep Dive into Canvas and Workflows in AI-Powered App Design with Jesper Bylund, Ex-Head of Design at n8n

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In this episode of UX For AI, host Behrad Mirafshar sits down with Jesper Bylund, a freelance designer and former Head of User Experience at n8n, to dive deep into the fascinating world of UX design, artificial intelligence, and the no-code revolution. Jesper brings a wealth of experience from his time at n8n, a leading automation platform that has redefined how businesses and individuals approach workflow automation. Together, Behrad and Jesper explore the challenges and opportunities at the intersection of UX and AI, offering valuable insights for designers, creatives, and tech enthusiasts alike.

The conversation kicks off with Jesper reflecting on his journey at n8n, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the user experience of a tool that has become a sensation in the no-code space. He shares the story of how n8n evolved from a side project into a powerful platform that allows users to visualize and automate complex workflows through a node-based interface. Jesper explains how the team navigated the challenges of designing for such a versatile tool, and how they integrated AI capabilities to enhance its functionality. He also touches on the importance of rapid iteration and experimentation, especially when working with emerging technologies like AI.

As the discussion unfolds, Jesper and Behrad delve into the broader implications of AI for the creative industry. Jesper emphasizes that AI is not a replacement for human creativity but rather a tool that can amplify it. He discusses how AI can handle repetitive tasks, freeing up designers to focus on higher-level problem-solving and innovation. However, he also cautions against the pitfalls of over-reliance on AI, stressing the importance of maintaining a human touch in design. The conversation takes an interesting turn as Jesper shares his thoughts on the future of AI-driven design tools, predicting that we’ll see an explosion of creativity as more people gain access to powerful, easy-to-use tools.

One of the most compelling parts of the episode is Jesper’s explanation of how AI and no-code tools are democratizing technology. He talks about how platforms like n8n are empowering non-technical users to build complex automations and even entire applications without writing a single line of code. This, he argues, is leveling the playing field and enabling a new wave of innovation. Jesper also shares his excitement about the potential for AI to revolutionize research and development, citing his work on Find Insight, a research tool that leverages AI to conduct user interviews at scale.

Throughout the episode, Behrad and Jesper touch on a range of thought-provoking topics, from the philosophical underpinnings of the scientific method to the importance of questioning assumptions in design. Jesper shares his skepticism about the concept of “validation” in research, arguing that true progress comes from disproving hypotheses rather than confirming them. This leads to a fascinating discussion about how designers can adopt a more critical and experimental mindset in their work.

The episode wraps up with Jesper offering advice for designers and creatives navigating the AI revolution. He encourages listeners to embrace the uncertainty and rapid pace of change, urging them to experiment fearlessly and stay curious.

Tune in to UX For AI for a deep dive into designing the future.

You can find Jesper here:

Interested in joining the podcast? DM Behrad on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/behradmirafshar/
This podcast is made by Bonanza Studios, Germany’s Premier Digital Design Studio:
https://www.bonanza-studios.com/

Chapters

1. Intro (00:00:00)

2. Obsession with n8n and No-Code Tools (00:00:30)

3. Meditation and Personal Insights (00:01:26)

4. The Brain, Neural Pathways, and Creativity (00:04:49)

5. AI, Creativity, and the Future of Design (00:13:56)

6. AI in Business and Automation (00:22:54)

7. The Role of Validation in Research and Design (00:31:04)

8. Cargo Cults and Mimicry in Design (00:41:09)

9. Find Insight: AI-Powered Research Tool (00:44:36)

10. n8n’s Origin Story and AI Integration (00:50:45)

11. Rapid Iteration and Experimentation in AI Design (01:00:18)

12. Closing Thoughts and Future of AI for Creatives (01:03:58)

13. Outro and Call to Action (01:05:38)