The advent of AI models like ChatGPT and Gemini is a recent chapter in technological history. While we’ve quickly grown dependent on them, the pre-AI world is still within our living memory. Contrast this with future generations, for whom these tools will be an inherent part of daily life – much as my teenage daughter, born post-iPhone, has always known a world of touchscreens and apps, unlike myself.
I foresee AI’s ultimate influence exceeding that of the smartphone. Its infiltration into industry and education is already evident, prompting speculation about its pervasive presence by 2030.
Common anxieties about AI’s threat to employment and its role in spreading falsehoods are certainly well-founded. However, a growing concern for me is the potential devaluation of human creativity itself.
Industries built on creative work, like design, are especially vulnerable. The world awaiting the next generation of designers will therefore be profoundly different.
The Rise of Generative Tools: Artists Now Face Digital Rivals
Generative AI models have remarkably advanced in their image creation abilities. Now, a simple prompt can yield a relevant image in roughly a minute, and this speed is only set to increase. While perfection remains elusive—I’ve noticed inconsistencies and stylistic incoherence, particularly with models like ChatGPT’s—a few revisions often result in an output that’s “good enough” for my needs.
I now consistently choose AI-generated visuals over generic stock photography. The accessibility and closer alignment to my specific requirements are striking, yet also a bit disheartening. It undeniably saves time to get a “passable” image; there’s no need to meticulously edit in Photoshop or commission a skilled professional. Essentially, I’m accepting a slightly lower standard for the sake of convenience.
Admittedly, I operate at the lower end of the market. My graphic design skills are modest, and a professional budget isn’t available to me, so my use of AI tools likely isn’t displacing anyone. The real concern emerges when well-resourced companies choose AI over human talent. We’re already witnessing this trend, with varying outcomes, and it’s highly probable more will follow suit.
Do New Designers Need Fundamentals, and Does It Even Matter Anymore?
The bedrock of traditional web and print design lies in mastering fundamental philosophies concerning color, typography, and accessibility, knowledge essential for producing superior results. This expertise has always stemmed from a blend of academic study and practical application.
Yet, as AI tools redefine creative workflows, the very meaning of “fundamentals” is being questioned. Given that existing AI applications aren’t known for their robust quality control, individuals new to design might circumvent the learning process altogether, never truly internalizing these core principles.
We’re observing a similar dynamic in the programming world. The effortless generation of code has, for instance, led to a dramatic increase in WordPress plugin submissions. This newfound “anyone can code” accessibility inadvertently threatens to obscure critical considerations like security and optimization.
A key question emerges regarding the future toolkit for designers. While a text-based interface like ChatGPT doesn’t fit the traditional mold of a design application, major players like Photoshop have already embedded AI capabilities, and they’re certainly not the last. This widespread adoption suggests a profound shift in project workflows.
The resulting productivity boost is appealing. Yet, it also allows us to create assets without truly evaluating their quality. A designer who hasn’t grasped foundational principles might never even consider such critical assessment. This situation feels akin to the “anything goes” era of the 1990s web, where sites were built primarily for aesthetics, often at the expense of functionality. Future generations, similarly, might leverage AI without ever scrutinizing the output.
Rushed Artistry: The Diminishing Window for True Creation
Humans aren’t known for their patience, a trait that has always forced designers to weigh quality deliverables against looming deadlines. AI, unfortunately, might intensify this pressure on those in creative fields. The optimal application of AI is as a supportive tool for creating small assets or automating practical operations, thereby accelerating workflows while retaining the crucial element of human judgment.
Yet, there’s a real risk of over-reliance. One can easily picture a stakeholder treating a designer as merely an AI operator, uttering phrases like, “Get me this social graphic in the next five minutes. Just generate it. We can’t waste time on font kerning.”
There’s a strong likelihood that project schedules will become aggressively condensed. Clients will demand heightened productivity within tighter deadlines and reduced budgets. This mindset will inevitably curtail designers’ chances to meticulously polish their creations—a real pity, as it’s frequently the minute details that distinguish exceptional design.
Adopting a “quick and inexpensive” approach leaves no room for human ingenuity and, paradoxically, depreciates the value of an entire sector of skilled professionals. Under these conditions, designers transform from key contributors into simple components within the project’s operational chain.
AI’s Double Edge: More Output, Less Artistic Command for Designers
While today’s AI models demonstrate remarkable capabilities, they notably fall short in possessing human logic and nuanced sensibilities. This makes them ideal for automating rote tasks, but ill-suited for genuine creative endeavors.
Regardless, the relentless march of technological progress and persuasive sales pitches will almost certainly drive wider adoption. Much like other emerging technologies, decision-makers will be enticed by the idealistic vision of a singular tool capable of everything. The thinking will be: train AI with legal precedents, and attorneys become redundant; feed it your brand guidelines, and traditional designers are no longer necessary.
This scenario ultimately shrinks the room for an organic design process—precisely what designers excel at. It’s the culmination of thousands of hours spent learning and refining, the very expertise that drives sales for everything from donuts to diamond rings.
I sincerely hope this isn’t the final outcome. However, I’ve witnessed similar patterns unfold before. Perhaps, after a period of heavy reliance on automated systems, people will once again recognize the indispensable value of human creators and return to commissioning their work. If not, the upcoming generation of designers will find themselves fulfilling a dramatically altered role.
Leave feedback about this