AI: Let's go there

Unless you've been living under a rock, one cannot peruse the internet without seeing AI at work or reading an article about the latest, greatest AI enhancements. According to the ANA (Association of National Advertisers), "nearly 71% of social media images are AI-generated, and 83% of ad executives have deployed AI in the creative process." As a collaborative team, the importance of the direction of AI is not lost on us.

Over coffee today Tyler brought up the subject of AI (Artificial Intelligence) and it's use in the design/communications world. We dove into a conversation fraught with angst - and glee. On one hand, the chatter about AI taking over the digital/print design world, reducing the need for designers is a little troubling, if we're honest. But on the other hand, we are thrilled to have a hard-working cross-platform tool at our disposal.

After a rigorous back-and-forth, taking into account all the pros and cons of AI, here's where we landed:

• AI is a tool. Use it responsibly.

• AI needs an "operator" and someone to pull the trigger on a good or bad design. It does not eliminate the need of good design professionals who can say "No" to a bad design.

• For the do-it-yourself crowd who believes that they can make their own websites with successful results, don't. Because someone's got to say it: sometimes your baby is ugly. That homemade website, logo, or print material that you whipped up online looks... homemade and won't produce the results that you deserve.

• Having a trained professional who takes the time to get to know you, your story, your business, your demographic, your target audience, your strengths, your potential obstacles to success is not a second choice. Go with a pro every time.

• The total use of AI eliminates the voice of a "Third Party's" input. As a Christian who has designed literally thousands of graphics and websites for churches and non-profits, praying over a design concept is not lost on me (Tricia). So, this brings me to our last point...

• Just because you can, doesn't mean you should. AI can produce some cringe-worthy material. Just read the comments on a social media post that's been AI-generated. Most can agree that aside from dancing cats (which we think is kind of cute), artificially produced videos and graphics just don't hit right, and they lack the authenticity that a candid shot accomplishes. For some fun, visit this website that does a good job unpacking some AI fails.

Full disclaimer:

We recognize that not all AI is harmful or impersonal, and we’ve thoughtfully—and responsibly—integrated select AI tools into our design arsenal.

So, that's a very quick run-down of our thoughts. There's so much more that we can say about Artificial Intelligence, and it's use in the design field, but we'd like to hear from you. Leave a comment and let's talk about it.

What's your overall opinion about the use of AI in digital design?

• 0%Not a fan.
• 0%Big fan - bring it on!
• 0%I'm on the fence.