Design 360° No.104 : Design In The AI Era

Starting from the end of 2022, the groundbreaking advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) in natural language and image generation have propelled the realm of AI-generated Content (AIGC) in the design field towards the industry at an exponential pace. To this, concerns have arisen: “Could AI replace designers?” While we cannot predict the future, when Generative AI can substitute for designers in aspects of visual output, we will need to rethink what the value of a designer truly is.

AI technology not only transforms the production process of design but also significantly enhances design productivity. This might imply a reduced demand for designers in the industry. However, until the technological singularity arrives, we believe that designers can still harness their creativity and proactiveness to adapt to the changing landscape of the AI era. In this issue, Design360° doesn’t focus on the technical aspects of Generative AI but rather on the exploration of the value of designers in the AI era.

Past designers have harnessed their adaptability and creativity to tame various technologies. We believe that AI is no exception. Although we have not yet encountered large-scale applications and impacts of generative AI in design, it does not mean that designers should remain in a state of anxiety without taking action. It is only by actively embracing AI that designers can discover their most unique strengths and value.