AI is threatening creativity, but that's because we're giving too much control to the machine to think on our behalf.In this episode, Dr. Maya Ackerman — AI-creativity researcher, professor, and author of Creative Machines: AI, Art & Us — explains why the danger isn’t AI itself, but the way we’re designing AI products. She breaks down how today’s tools are unintentionally flattening originality, how “Oracle-mode” models limit imagination, and why we must shift toward building systems that expand human creativity rather than automate it away.For designers, product managers, and builders, this conversation is a blueprint for developing AI tools that inspire exploration, push users beyond predictable patterns, and create space for genuine ingenuity. If you design tools for creative work, this episode reframes what it means to build technology that actually elevates the human mind rather than quietly replacing it.➤ Why most AI products suppress creativityHow over-alignment and “correctness” kill imaginative output, and what to do instead.➤ How hallucinations can fuel originalityWhy they’re not failures, but essential sparks for new creative directions.➤ How AI is reshaping cultural expectations of music, art, and designAnd what this means for teams building creative platforms today.➤ How to design “Humble Creative Machines”AI that enhances a creator’s skill and taste instead of taking over the process.➤ How to build incentives that reward curiosity and explorationShifting product strategy away from speed and efficiency toward human ingenuity.Creative Machines: AI, Art & Us — Dr. Ackerman’s bookhttps://maya-ackerman.com/creative-machines-bookLyricStudio — AI-powered lyric writinghttps://lyricstudio.net“Humble Creative Machines: Creating AI to Elevate You”https://www.theaioptimist.com/p/humble-creative-machines-creatingThis is Episode 47 of the Design of AI Podcast.If you found this conversation valuable, please rate and share the show — your support shapes what we explore next.For more AI strategy, creative research, and product insight, subscribe to https://designofai.substack.com.Hosted by Arpy Dragffy Guerrero https://www.linkedin.com/in/adragffy/Brought to you by PH1, a strategy consultancy specializing in prototyping the future of your products and business.https://ph1.ca-----It’s time for our year-end survey: Professional Success in the era of AI 2026So many of you that we speak to confide in us that you’re worried about your jobs and how to stay relevant as AI is rapidly evolving.You’ll also help us shape next year’s podcast topics. https://tally.so/r/Y5D2Q5You can participate at – it will only take 5 minutes of your time.

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