What AI Do Designers Really Want?
As a seasoned designer with over 20 years of experience, he has seen a lot of changes in this field. Among them, the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has stirred both excitement and frustration. Today, Let us see what he wants.
He wants to discuss what kind of AI would genuinely support real-world designers like himself, rather than distract folks from their creative flow.
The Issue with Current AI Tools
First things first: most AI tools available to designers today can be quite disappointing. They often feel disconnected from the actual design process. Instead of seamlessly integrating into our workflow, they often interrupt our creative momentum. Imagine you’re deep in the flow of designing, and then you have to pause everything to use an AI tool that promises to help but actually diverts your focus. That’s not what we need.
Design is all about movement and progress. It thrives in chaos and creativity. The magic happens not when we click ‘generate’ but in the middle of that chaotic but beautiful mess. Designers understand that this mess is where ideas grow — sketches on napkins, piles of references, and yes, even the 70 tabs we keep open in our browsers.
So, what we truly want is not Fictional AI — tools that generate dreamlike, impractical designs — but rather Practical AI. These are tools that integrate into our work, helping us streamline our creative processes without forcing us out of our zone.
Understanding the Great Creative Mess
Every designer, including myself, is familiar with that Great Creative Mess. After two decades of crafting luxury homes, I’ve seen firsthand how the best ideas emerge from this chaos. When I mention “mess,” I refer to the stacks of ideas, rough sketches, and even failed attempts. This is not just clutter; it’s proof of active engagement in the design process.
In fact, good designers embrace this mess because it encourages exploration. Tools that help reduce the friction in our workflows — automating the mundane tasks — can increase this messiness, and that’s a positive thing. More chaos means more room for creativity, more ideas to play with, and ultimately, a richer design process.
Fictional AI vs. Practical AI
Let’s break down the difference between Fictional AI and Practical AI. Fictional AI tools often provide beautiful but useless designs that lack feasibility in the real world. They might create stunning images, but they often miss the mark when it comes to practicality — think of those interiors that look too sophisticated to ever exist in real life.
On the other hand, Practical AI tools truly enhance the design process. They help search for materials that are available, automate repetitive tasks, and support collaboration among clients and teams. For a real-world designer, it’s all about making the workflow smoother and faster, getting things done without unnecessary distractions.
Why Designers Want Practical AI
The needs of real-world designers stem from our expertise in balancing quality, value, and deadlines. We’re called crafters for a reason; we make tangible objects that people can interact with. We deal with thousands of tiny decisions, and we need our tools to enhance that process, not hinder it.
Instead of relying on generative AI that creates unviable designs, we want tools that help us focus on what matters. Imagine getting suggestions on available products, rapidly creating mood boards, or turning concepts into specifications without looping through endless options. This is what Practical AI could do for us.
Building Practical AI Inside the Creative Act
The key here is that AI should not just exist as an add-on; it must be woven into the entire creative act. Instead of pulling us away from our designs, practical AI should help push our ideas further along that messy creative journey.
Think of it as an exoskeleton rather than a robot assistant. It should empower us with more speed and flexibility while still keeping us firmly in control of our designs. This way, AI can genuinely support our craft, enriching rather than complicating our work.
Looking Forward
As we transition from a flat 2D world to a vibrant 3D era, the tools we employ must evolve accordingly. We need AI that enhances our creativity rather than simply generating dream scenarios. The future lies in tools that respect and enhance our workflows, making them quicker and smarter.
With all this in mind, it’s clear that designers today need practical solutions to tackle real-world challenges. If you’re in the design field, remember that the right tools won’t steal your creative spark; they’ll nurture it.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the AI we truly want is grounded in practicality and function. It must integrate into our creative mess and make our workflows seamless. Let’s embrace a future where AI stands alongside us, as partners in the exciting journey of design.
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Original Text – https://www.creativebloq.com/ai/ive-been-a-designer-for-20-years-heres-the-kind-of-ai-we-actually-want