AI
Free
Online
Tuesday, 15 July, 2025
12
–
1
pm
EDT
TRENDING: UX design and the rise of business designers
About This Event
As technology advances roles are becoming compressed. That’s because technology, like AI, can take the lift of more manual tasks off the plates of workers. As such, UX designers are increasingly being expected to shift their role into more business-oriented thinking and design. Learn what this shift may mean for your current or future UX design career and how AI is accelerating the need for more strategic, design thinking.
Takeaways
Learn how AI is impacting the role of UX designer.
Discover how to adapt to more business-oriented thinking and design.
About the Instructor
Clementine Brown
Principal Product Designer, Red Badger
Clementine is a Principal Product Designer and Design Educator. She has been designing for the web since before the smartphone 😱, educating UX designers of the future at General Assembly since before Brexit 🎓, and mentoring designers and career-changers since before the pandemic 🦠. You can find her at clmntnbrn.co.uk, cactushandshake.co.uk, and LinkedIn.
IN CONVERSATION WITH Clementine Brown:
What is your favorite technical skill to work with on your own projects and why?
Figma, hands down. It’s more than a design tool - it’s where thinking and making happen at the same time. I use it for everything from interface design to workshop planning, pitch decks, course materials, and the occasional life admin flowchart. What I love most is how accessible it makes technical design - you don’t need expensive software or a computer science degree to bring an idea to life.
What is your favorite technical skill to teach to students and why?
Figma. Not just because it’s powerful, but because it changes how people see themselves. Students often come in thinking design is mysterious or out of reach - and then within hours, they’re building responsive layouts, interactive prototypes, and collaborating in real time. The lightbulb moments are constant. Teaching Figma lets me show people that design isn’t just for ‘designers’ - it’s a skill anyone can learn to express ideas, solve problems, and make things that matter.
What is most important to you about teaching technical skills at General Assembly?
For me, it’s all about confidence. So many students arrive thinking they’re behind, or that they don’t belong in tech. Helping them realise they do belong - that they can learn, make, and lead in this space - is the best part of the job. General Assembly gives us the room to teach with heart as well as rigour, and to build real community among learners. That’s powerful.
What advice do you have for anyone looking to learn technical skills to reach new career goals?
Start before you feel ready. Technical skills aren’t about being a ‘tech person’ - they’re tools for thinking, creating, and solving problems. Don’t be afraid to make messy first drafts, ask ‘obvious’ questions, or take detours - this is often where the golden nuggets come from. The important part is to stay curious and consistent. And remember, your existing skills are part of your superpower - the trick is learning how to translate them into a new domain ✨
What would you like to highlight about your experience in your technical domain outside of teaching?
I’ve spent over two decades 👵 learning what it means to be a designer, and now work to lead design and strategy work for organisations like Selfridges and Nandos. My technical focus is product design - I specialise in turning complex systems into intuitive, human-centred interfaces. I work for a consultancy, which means a lot of different projects - that breadth keeps me grounded in the real-world application of the skills I teach and means I’m constantly learning and evolving alongside the industry.
WHAT Clementine’s STUDENTS ARE SAYING...
”Clementine is truly an asset to GA. She’s an engaging tutor, has a friendly personality and has a wealth of incredibly valuable real-world experience which she was able to share with our class.”
Daniil Vinokur
Director, Innovation and Transformation Center (ITC), Salesforce
I build companies and products that solve complex problems and fundamentally transform experiences for people. Along the way, I've managed award-winning agencies, advised some of the world's leading consumer brands and launched more "firsts" than most.
In 2016, I joined the Salesforce where I explore new offerings and ways of working for the Customer Success Group through lean research and rapid experimentation.
In addition to General Assembly, I have also taught at the Miami Ad School of SF and have been the mentor at Tech Stars Chicago.
I teach because I love it, I design because I can't help it.
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