AI Image Generation in Design by Natasha Muirhead
AI Image Generation in Design
As a designer I have always been captivated by the power of visual storytelling and my most recent expedition into the world of AI image generation has sparked wonder and curiosity in my creative process. There is beauty to be found not only in the acute efficiency and quality, but the blending of sources and styles to create original and unlikely work which pushes conceptual boundaries.
The images generated for this blog were created with Midjourney, an AI that takes descriptive text (prompts) and produces vibrant output (images). The algorithms at play have been trained on vast datasets of resources and design styles, making them exceptionally proficient at mimicking and adapting to various aesthetics.
However, When I first began using this fascinating software I felt as though the bot did not entirely understand my frame of reference. It did not know any of the iconic sofas I cited in my prompts (can you imagine?!), and its representations of Brutalism, Modernism and Minimalism seemed somewhat misplaced or naive at first glance. Strangely the more complicated my prompts were, the further away from my intentions the images became. With much experimentation I came to realise that prompt writing is an art, and it is only by honing this skill that we can create truly unique imagery which is not simply populated by the programme we are employing.
As designers, there is an element of both fear and wonder when interacting with these programmes, yet we must think of the AI functioning as co-pilot in actualising our vision. Working in tandem can be almost like having a creative partner who constantly challenges and expands your design horizons.
In conclusion, AI image generation can be viewed as a magnificent and powerful ally for designers. If we can successfully learn to communicate, we can spark innovative ideas, accelerate our creative process and enhance communication for our clients. As technology continually advances, it's intriguing to speculate about the limitless possibilities that AI will contribute to the design world. Embracing this harmonious blend of technology and art, we can shape spaces that not only reflect our creativity but also enrich the lives of those who inhabit them.
Words by
Natasha Muirhead
Interior Designer
