Fall 2007. SFU's School of Interactive Arts. IAT 235: Information Design. Our instructor kicked things off with a simple question: "What is information?" We dove deep, discovering that good information design isn't about avoiding problems—it's about tackling them head-on. Design, at its core, is problem-solving. But how does this translate to the digital world? Can AI truly replicate the human touch needed to craft exceptional digital experiences?
Think of it like this: some leather goods are meticulously handcrafted, each stitch imbued with the artisan’s skill and intent.
Others are mass-produced by machines—efficient, uniform, but often lacking that unique character. The difference is clear: in the quality, the details, the soul.
The same applies to digital products. On one hand, we have apps with intuitive interfaces, websites with elegant designs that guide you effortlessly. This is human ingenuity at work.
On the other hand, we have AI tools churning out designs based on algorithms. Powerful, yes, but often lacking the nuanced understanding of human needs that drives truly great design.
So, is AI a friend or foe to designers? I believe AI won’t replace good design, but it might replace just design—the kind that’s purely functional, lacking that spark of human creativity.
Good design is more than aesthetics. It’s about understanding the user, their context, their needs. It’s about crafting experiences that are not only functional but also delightful, meaningful, and impactful.
AI can be a valuable tool. It can automate tasks, generate variations, even inspire. But it can’t replace the human element—critical thinking, empathy, the creative spark that elevates design to an art form.
As AI evolves, let’s remember the value of human-centered design. Let’s embrace AI as a tool, but not let it diminish human creativity. After all, the true beauty of design lies in its ability to solve problems and enhance human experiences—something that requires a human touch.
