Thoughts and insights into artificial intelligence.
Social media feeds at the moment are being dominated by artificially intelligent (AI) generated images. Mine is no exception. Designers are seemingly either embracing this or are up in arms at the use of AI to generate conceptual images.
To be honest I am on the fence. The closest comparison I can think of, is the emergence of 3D printers. Model makers weren’t all replaced by 3D printers in the workplace. Quite the opposite in fact. 3D printers brought in a new way of working, new opportunities and ways to build and be creative which would have otherwise taken weeks for a human to achieve.
I think AI generated images need to be viewed in the same way. Not as a replacement to designers, but as another tool to add to the designer’s trusty toolkit.
So I decided to give it a go. I signed up for Midjourney after seeing some impressive images generated by Design studio Aetha.
Turns out that in order to generate useful images, Midjourney requires slightly more thoughtful input than just typing in a few random words. Careful thinking and planning helps to generate a higher quality image. I had a few odd outcomes to start with as you can see below, which weren’t anything like I was expecting. But at the same time I didn’t know what to expect. Something more defined I think. It seems AI generated images are like pancakes – the first ones turn out a bit ropey.
So after honing down the choice of words, doing some background reading and adding a few images for additional help, the results started to improve. The below selection showcase an input for a “POC style cycling shoe in white and pink.”
Starting to get the hang of this AI business now. I tried numerous brand collaborations, POC and Bose collaboration for headphones, Bang & Olufsen & cycling helmets collaboration for cycling helmets. The list goes on. I found that adding images into the command bar helps if you have specific colours or finishes in mind.
The afternoon was over before I knew it, turns out it can be quite addictive generating images. Especially if you have a goal in mind.
I am not convinced that AI will replace designers at all. I do however think that as users become better and better at generating images to suit a purpose, it will become more engrained in our every day lives. Perhaps when creative block hits.
Will AI replace designers? No.
Does AI add strange paint splats to images? Yes.
Will AI become a part of every day life for concept generation? Maybe.
Will job roles evolve to allow experts of AI? Possibly.
I think we will have to wait and see.