Elements of AI-driven design have been in use for so long, you might not realize they’re already a part of your workflow. But now that AI models are getting stronger and widening their reach, many companies are wondering how to make better use of these strategies throughout their design process. Let's take a critical look at the hype around using AI to make design processes quicker, smoother, and more tailored to customer needs. The truth is, while AI is an opportunity for efficiency, there will always be real drawbacks to relying heavily on artificial intelligence in design — and you’ll still need talented designers in this AI era.
What is AI-Driven Design?
AI-driven design is the intersection of artificial intelligence and human-centered design thinking. Essentially, designers use AI to gather ideas and insights (AKA, creative process automation) to simplify the design process and theoretically create more innovative and user-centered designs.
The Four Types of AI Systems Used in Design
- Generative AI (or Gen AI): Creates user-specific designs based on your prompts or data input (think ChatGPT or Photoshop’s generative fill feature).
- Computer Vision: Acts like a filter for your designs, recognizing and adapting data in real-time. This can look like suggesting better images or scanning for product defects during manufacturing to ensure quality control.
- Machine Learning: Predicts user behavior and outcomes based on data. Machine learning powers results like targeted ads on social media.
- Natural Language Processing (NLP): Processes human language to enhance design. Every time you use a computer translation service, for example, you’re interacting with a design built using NLP technology.
Should my company invest in AI-driven design?
In many ways, you may already be using AI tools in small ways without realizing it. Now, AI technology is advanced enough to help your company:
- Gather and organize user information and even create visual representations of your data sets.
- Generate fresh ideas as starting points for creative exploration.
- Understand user insights and suggest future improvements based on historical trends.
- Prototype ideas quickly to pressure test a design before full development.
- Predict user behavior to test ideas before involving expensive human testers.
With these benefits, AI can help you achieve your best design faster by providing detailed insights, troubleshooting, and improving testing. However, it’s up to you to thoroughly vet any AI tools you plan to use, paying close attention to their limitations before releasing AI-driven designs into the world.
What are the limitations of using AI for creative design?
- AI is not truly creative. While the output can feel innovative, it's ultimately built on patterns, not unique human perspectives. AI can be used to generate ideas, as we’ve said before. But it’s up to us to take the ideas into further unknown territories.
- AI cannot replicate the human touch. Ultimately, AI-generated designs can feel repetitive or sterile. There are still limitations to current technology. You will still have to infuse your design with plenty of authenticity and humanity, through illustrations, animations, color palettes, personality-driven copy, or hand-drawn typography. In short, it’s not wise to look at AI as the creator; it’s merely a new tool in your toolbox to help kickstart and quicken the development of your project.
- AI can reinforce biases. Diverse thought and lived experiences are critical to the design thinking process. AI can miss nuances like sarcasm or underrepresented voices. It’s up to you to check for biases. To remain inclusive and innovative, human product testing, feedback, and real-world experience are still key in taking your work further. At least AI can handle taking down and synthesizing all those notes!
TLDR; AI-driven design can spark great ideation, offer valuable insights, and streamline parts of your creative workflow. And since AI isn’t going anywhere, it’s wise to learn which AI models and tools work best for your company. Just remember: AI is not a replacement for your designers, nor should it be relied on too heavily Your users still crave human connection, creativity, and authenticity.
Speaking of humans, do you need to hire anyone? At Artisan this is what we do best: match great companies with top, pre-vetted talent! If this sounds like you, reach out. We can help elevate your job opportunities and find you the talented people you need for your teams.
