July 6, 2023

The Role of Designers in AI Innovation

Last week I was invited to join the ServiceDesignDrinks, hosted by KISD in the welcoming community and workshop space of denkwerk.

Inspired by a quick talk by Paul van der Veen and Katharina Withelm, we discussed the role of designers in AI innovation.

These are my three take-aways from the talk and the discussions afterwards:

1. There is a difference between designing WITH AI and designing FOR AI. Most discussions currently focus on using AI models as an extension of existing tools. In the next phase, we will be creating new services and products with AI as a core.
2. A lightweight innovation project can be built upon the Design Thinking phases (hence AI Thinking). Exploring ideas and possible use cases in the first sandbox phase. Ideating on design challenges and rough concepts in phase two. Creating proofs-of-concept and MVPs to test desirability, feasibility and viability.
3. Many people have already dabbled with the tools or explored technical conditions. We as designers, can bring the human’s – and earth’s – needs and perspectives to the table and facilitate discussions around that. To build truly usable solutions.

Next up, I want to explore possibilities to use independent/open source ML models taught with my own data.

It was lovely seeing you all: Susanne, Paul, Alex, Sandra, Amanda

Further material

• TryTriggers – Machine Learning deck
• HuggingFace – AI community
• uizard Auto Designer – text to UI