Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines, specifically to mimic human actions and traits.
The advancement of technology over the past few decades has been exciting and has allowed improvements in nearly every profession. For example, AI is being tested and used for surgical procedures, driving cars, detecting bank fraud, personal assisting, manual labour, and more.
According to a report from the World Economic Forum, AI will replace 85 million jobs by the year 2025. Researchers predict that only a small percent of designers have the probability of being automated within the design industry. To name a few, designers: 8%, architects and engineers: 1.8%, interior designers: 2.2%, and set and exhibit designers: 0.5%. The chance of designers getting replaced by AI is low because much of a designer’s role involves creative thinking, problem-solving, communication, and relationships.
Designers Excel at Creative Thinking and Problem Solving
AI can create a logo design, but it will not have considered business needs and mission, target audience, design trends, competition, and current news issues. A person’s creative process comes from their life experiences, opinion, culture, research, history, education, and surroundings. While AI can be used for time-consuming and monotonous tasks, it can’t replace what makes each designer unique.
“Creativity is intelligence having fun.” – Albert Einstein
Until an AI can completely replace the essence of what makes us human, it can’t begin to replace designers.
AI Can't Imitate Human Connection
The ability to communicate effectively is an essential trait of a designer. A good designer should be able to read their client for subtle nuances such as body language, tone of voice, social cues, and its purpose is to engage at an emotional level with its intended audience. One of the biggest struggles for some IT professionals, let alone AI.
AI Can Only Perform as Well as They Are Programmed
You can’t program AI with a formula for quality design. There are many variables at play, and designers need to be flexible. Even though AI is advancing to problem solve and predict, it can only go so far at mimicking linear human thinking. All cognitive activity is tied to values and judgements that are subject to the human experience.
Sometimes, design requires breaking out of expected patterns and looking at things differently. Machine learning is a subset of artificial intelligence, which refers to the concept that computer programs can automatically learn and adapt from new data without being assisted. Algorithms establish patterns and statistical models so a computer system can learn and make predictions. However, this limits the abilities of AI to simple tasks and problems.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that AI can perform specific tasks much more efficiently than humans can. However, creativity, problem-solving, and human connection are difficult to replace. If AI can’t do many of the key things a designer does well, their design solutions will be inadequate.
By embracing new technology taking on some of the repetitive tasks that designers perform, designers will spend more time on the crucial parts of their job: creative and strategic thinking. It may be a common perception that designers only do brochures, logos, and websites. But, ultimately, a designer is necessary for original and creative work that will help your brand stand out in a market saturated with sameness.
