How Generative AI is Reshaping My Design Practice

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the author's experience with using generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney in their design practice. It covers:

• How the author's broad, if sometimes shallow, skill set has become an advantage in the age of AI
• Practical applications of AI in the author's design work, including:
  • Clear communication
  • Rapid learning
  • Domain-specific knowledge
  • Qualitative research
  • Visual ideation
  • Prototyping
• The author's plans to share practical AI applications in design through an open-source GitHub project and a new studio exploring generative AI in the creative space

🙋 Q&A

[01] Broad, Shallow Skill Set as an Advantage in the Age of AI

1. How has the author's broad, if sometimes shallow, skill set become an advantage in the age of AI?

• The author's broad skill set across various creative disciplines, such as UX design, coding, 3D modeling, and animation, has become an advantage in the age of AI.
• Previously, the author felt that this broad but sometimes shallow skill set was a negative trade-off, as it meant sacrificing time for deep dives into new software or techniques.
• However, in the age of AI, this broad skill set has turned out to be a significant advantage, as the author can now access expertise across writing, coding, image and video generation through tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney.

[02] Practical Applications of AI in Design

1. What are some of the practical applications of AI in the author's design work?

• Clear communication: The author uses a custom GPT model trained on the Guardian's writing style guide to clean up their spoken notes and produce clear, convincing text.
• Rapid learning: The author uses Speechify to listen to documents at increased speeds (1.5x to 2x) when jumping into new business sectors, allowing for faster information consumption.
• Domain-specific knowledge: The author trains custom GPTs to act as domain-specific guides, explaining jargon at a 12-year-old's reading level and using analogies.
• Qualitative research: The author uses ChatGPT to expand assumptions, create research assets, and write interview guides, and plans to use GPT-4's expanded context window to input full transcripts and research objectives.
• Visual ideation: The author uses tools like Midjourney to generate visual ideas and assets, such as detailed mood boards for speculative services.
• Prototyping: The author has started using LLM chat interfaces for service prototyping, creating custom GPTs to guide testers through a service experience.

2. What are the author's plans for further exploring the potential of generative AI in design?

• The author is working on an open-source GitHub project to share practical AI applications in design, and welcomes contributions.
• The author is also starting a new studio, "oiai.studio", to explore generative AI in the creative space.