I am looking at AI through the lens of a designer. The below text is from a LinkedIn post I created in February 2024. I wrote it because the impact AI is having on our industry is considerable. I’ve been inspired to learn more and share what I’m learning and experiencing. More to come… 

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TL;DR: The integration of AI in visual design is creating significant shifts for designers. Four trends include: 1. AI acting as intelligent design assistants; 2. Content labeling; 3. Ethics and accountability; 4. Balancing AI-generated content with the human touch. An expansion of tools and methodologies challenge traditional concepts of creativity, emphasizing the unique value of human-led design.
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AI isn’t just a tool anymore, it’s our collaborator and teammate. The fast-changing relationship between creatives and AI means continued transformation in the design space:

1. Intelligent design assistance: AI tools are more intuitive, acting as a co-pilot in the creative process. We’re gaining efficiencies with image editing, scaling work for different platforms and audiences, and even accessibility and personalization. Designers can focus on creative ideation and brainstorming while spending less time on repetitive, tedious tasks. For more AI tools, check out There’s An AI For That (theresanaiforthat.com).

2. AI content labeling: Visible and invisible watermarks make it clear to users that certain images were AI-generated. Designers should educate themselves on how to approach content labeling, and make it inclusive for different cultures and demographics. For example, your audiences may have differing word associations, so testing will be required to ensure that terms resonate.

3. Accountability and ethics: Designers should educate themselves on the broader impacts of using AI-generated work, including factors like bias and authenticity. Now, it’s much easier to unknowingly perpetuate bias. Visit the Algorithmic Justice League (ajl.org) to learn more about the movement towards equitable and accountable AI.

4. Balancing AI with Human Creativity: Designers could find new value in promoting human-led design processes and creativity. This could lead to a greater appreciation for the unique qualities that human designers bring to the table, like cultural understanding and emotional intelligence. Try exploring new ways to blend AI-generated content with non-AI design efforts to avoid relying solely on AI-generated work.

Designers will always be needed to define and solve real-world problems with empathy and creativity, but now there are even more tools and platforms to help streamline how we work…and hopefully, inspire us to follow different pathways to creation.