Colloquia

Summary

Artificial Intelligence (AI) shows rapid advancements, prompting the question of how AI may change the role of the designer. AI is found to be better at generating results and providing inspiration to a designer after the start of an ideation stage. Possible points of application were examined through literature research. Generative AI seems most applicable and accessible to implement in providing designers with interpretable visualizations of products that trigger ideas. Variability and uncertainty within AI, Design, and Inspiration were addressed using a multifaceted approach that incorporated quantitative and qualitative analysis. AI-based methods were tested in midjourney to examine the performance of AI-based ideation. Results were mixed, not necessarily improving concepts in quality, quantity, novelty, or variety. However, an inspirational effect was observed throughout the test, and quantitative measurements showed an increase in the ‘problem complexity’ that the concepts solved, as well as a slight shift in conceptual thinking. Analysis also indicated that AI required experience to be effectively utilized, signifying that working with AI is a skill. In conclusion, Generative AI shows promise as an inspirational tool within ideation; however, further research is required to more precisely determine how AI may be used across design.