About ToolStack AI Lab

About ToolStack AI Lab

Honest, hands-on AI tool reviews from a designer who actually uses this stuff.

Why This Site Exists

Most AI content falls into two traps:

Trap 1: Overhyped clickbait claiming every tool will “revolutionize your life”
Trap 2: Highly technical tutorials written for engineers, not normal users

I got tired of digging through both to find simple answers:

  • Which AI writing tool actually saves time?
  • What’s the learning curve for this design tool?
  • Is the paid version worth it, or is free enough?

ToolStack AI Lab is my answer. I test tools hands-on, document what I find, and share it in plain language.


Behind the Lab

I’m Mauricio Arcehelizaga, a UI/UX designer based in Córdoba, Argentina.

For nearly 20 years, I’ve designed digital products—dashboards, SaaS platforms, mobile apps—for companies in the US and Europe. Along the way, I developed an obsession with clarity: how do you make complex software feel simple?

When AI tools started exploding, I realized everyone was reviewing them, but almost no one was showing real workflows. So I started documenting my own testing.

What you’ll find here are the tools that passed my “actually useful” filter.


How I Test Tools

I don’t write about tools I haven’t used. Every review comes from:

✅ Hands-on testing in real scenarios (not just reading the landing page)
✅ At least 2-3 hours of use before forming an opinion
✅ Comparing against existing workflows, not just features

What I look for:

  • Clarity: Can a new user figure it out in under 10 minutes?
  • Value: Does it save enough time to justify the cost?
  • Integration: Does it play well with other tools?
  • Stickiness: Do I keep using it after the first week?

If a tool fails any of these, I’ll tell you honestly.


What You’ll Find Here

SectionWhat You’ll Get
Tool ReviewsHonest breakdowns of AI tools for writing, design, video, and productivity
WorkflowsStep-by-step guides showing how to combine tools for real results
ComparisonsHead-to-head tests of similar tools (X vs Y)
Quick TipsBite-sized discoveries that save time

I add new content weekly. If you’re looking for something specific, use the search or browse by category.


Transparency & Affiliates

Some links on this site are affiliate links. That means if you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you.

I only recommend tools I’ve actually tested and genuinely find useful. If I wouldn’t use it myself, I won’t recommend it here, regardless of commission.

Your trust matters more than a commission check.


Get in Touch

Questions? Tool suggestions? Collaboration ideas?

mau@toolstackailab.com

I read every message and try to respond within 48 hours.