BY EUNICE LAW MEI YUAN
The design industry has undergone dramatic changes over the past few decades, and the emergence of rapid AI tools is set to revolutionize the way we approach design in the future.
With the rise of novel technologies, designers have been compelled to adapt and embrace change, and the incorporation of artificial intelligence into design practices promises to be one of the most significant changes yet.
According to co-chair at IDEO Tim Brown, designers will increasingly need to work alongside machines and algorithms, developing new skills to work effectively in these augmented workflows. AI has the potential to automate mundane and repetitive design tasks, allowing designers to focus on more creative and strategic aspects of their work. This could lead to increased design productivity and efficiency.
While many speculate that AI will replace human designers altogether, industry experts predict that it will instead complement and assist design professionals. Artificial intelligence can make things more efficient, but it doesn’t have the empathy and understanding that comes from human experience.
AI has the potential to perpetuate biases and inequalities in design. Designer Safiya Umoja Noble said, “AI is not neutral. It is created by humans who have biases and blind spots.” If AI algorithms are trained on biased datasets, they can reinforce those biases in their design output. Designers must be aware of this and ensure that their usage of AI is ethical and inclusive.
Undeniably, designers themselves will also need to shift their focus, away from mundane tasks and towards inventing solutions that benefit both businesses and society. To produce designs that elicit emotional responses, designers wibll need to be increasingly skilled in data analysis and technology, as well as have a good grasp of human psychology.
The rapid growth of AI has the potential to revolutionize the design industry, but it is important for designers to approach its use with caution and consideration. AI can streamline processes and increase efficiency, but it’s crucial for designers to maintain a human touch and ensure that designs are created with empathy and understanding for the end user.
After all, the responsibility of the designer is to create meaningful change. It does not come from algorithms. That comes from the mind and heart of the human designer.
The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the view of Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus. Eunice Law Mei Yuan is a Lecturer of Design at the School of Design and Arts, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus. Her research interests are in instructional technology, cultural studies, packaging design, typography and motion graphics for interactive communication, and game design. She is contactable at mlaw@swinburne.edu.my
