Designing for the Future: How AI Can Supercharge Creativity.

As a designer, I’ve had my fair share of doubts about AI creeping into the creative world. However, after chats with colleagues and seeing AI become more common in the workplace, it is an inevitable development that I have started to see as more of a helper than a threat.

The ‘Designer’s Eye’

Let’s talk creativity. The definition of art according to the dictionary is:

“The conscious use of skill and creative imagination.”

This suggests the importance of human intuition when creating. AI, on the other hand, is all about data – it is like the opposite of imagination. It can crunch tons of data to help us understand what works and what doesn’t. Platforms like ChatGPT are getting smarter every day, improving their accuracy, in turn, making them more useful to us. However, they still need expertise and a ‘designer’s eye’ to ensure relevant and detailed input.

An example of this was when I looked to ChatGPT to create an image for this article. With the basic information put in, and no artistic direction, this image was the result (Image A). I then went back to input more information including subject, Style, Colour, Composition, Format and Purpose. The results (Image B) though not perfect, more effective.

Design isn’t just about creating a ‘Pretty Picture’

Designing isn’t just about creating a ‘pretty picture’; there’s a fair share of mundane tasks like deadlines and paperwork. Sometimes we need the capacity to sit with ideas, experiment, and be innovative, but it can be a tough juggling act. As said by artist Austin Kleon:

“Being creative sometimes means not being productive.”

AI can help us with this, completing tasks such as data analysis and insights, project management, administrative tasks, file conversion and organization, and legal compliance. See it as a trusty assistant who can handle the admin, allowing you the time and space to get creative and really elevate your designs.

Time Crunches and Imposter Syndrome

Let’s face it, agency life can be a whirlwind. With tight deadlines looming and a flurry of requests, it can sometimes seem like there aren’t enough hours in the day. Plus, as a designer in a data-driven environment, imposter syndrome can start looming.

Part of being a Graphic Designer is to visually communicate ideas. We may be experts at design, however, if you don’t have expertise in the information you are presenting, it becomes tricky to effectively design. Fortunately, AI is here to help. Tools like ChatGPT can assist with everything from research to proofreading in a matter of seconds, without having to scroll through endless articles. The information you need can be tailored specifically to your task, saving time and brain capacity.

Take this article, for instance. With a little help from ChatGPT, I’ve been able to streamline my research process and even get some proofreading assistance. Removing some of that imposter syndrome and allowing me time to focus on other design tasks in my schedule.

Conclusion

So, there you have it – the fusion of creativity and AI in the world of design. It’s not about AI replacing our creativity; it’s about AI amplifying it. Design is a vital component in a business’ success and the more time we have to push boundaries and explore, the more potential we have to offer.