Creatives with AI
Creatives WithAI: AI, Bland Brands, and the Art of Asking Better Questions with Michael Cawley - WithAI FM™
Published: 4 March 2025 at 01:13 Europe/London
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Episode notes
In this thought-provoking episode of Creatives WithAI, host Lena Robinson sits down with Product Discovery Expert Michael Cawley to explore the intersection of AI, creativity, and user experience. With a background spanning graphic design, marketing, and UX, Michael brings a unique perspective on how AI is reshaping creative workflows, sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse.
The conversation dives into the real impact of AI on creative industries, questioning whether it's actually freeing up time for deeper thinking or simply accelerating a cycle of endless production. Michael shares insights from nearly two decades of working in UX and product discovery, explaining why data alone isn't enough and why asking 'Why? is still the most important question in user research.
Lena and Michael discuss the rise of "bland" AI-generated content, the growing fetishisation of data, and the critical role human intuition plays in crafting meaningful user experiences. They also debate whether AI will ultimately serve as a tool for efficiency or dilute originality in creative work. With fascinating detours into brand identity, the evolution of chatbot UX, and even the unexpected role of AI in corporate decision-making, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of AI-driven creativity.
Find out why Michael believes quality over speed should always win, and why, in an AI-powered world, admitting "I don’t know" might just be the most valuable answer of all.
Here's how to find Michael Cawley online:
Other people mentioned during the podcast:
- Graham Pugh – branding and blandness https://brandvoice.agency/who/
- Julia Cameron – Author of The Artist’s Way https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julia_Cameron
- Susi O’Neill – AI Expert, suggested as a future guest https://www.linkedin.com/in/susioneill/
- Doug Ayres – Chat to Impact https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougayres/
Other companies/brands mentioned during the podcast:
- Intercom - https://www.intercom.com/
- The Drum - article re Unilever’s acquisition of Wild - https://www.thedrum.com/news/2025/02/18/after-the-dollar-shave-club-fiasco-can-unilever-acquire-wild-without-killing-its
- Glastonbury Festival - https://www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk/line-up/
- Claude AI - https://claude.ai/login?returnTo=%2F%3F
- ChatGPT - https://chatgpt.com/
