The Influence of Artificial Intelligence on the Evolution of Graphic Design: Explore and Predictions for future trends
Alzahraa Alkadrei1. Öğr. Üyesi Amir Ahmadoğhlu1
ISTANBUL AYDIN UNIVERSITY, Türkiye.
Email: alkadreizahraa@gmail.com
HNSJ, 2024, 5(5); https://doi.org/10.53796/hnsj55/25
Published at 01/05/2024 Accepted at 05/04/2024
Abstract
This article delves into the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the trajectory of graphic design. It examines how AI is reshaping the landscape of graphic design practices, shedding light on emerging trends and their potential implications for the future. By dissecting the evolving relationship between AI and graphic design, the article seeks to provide insights into the intricate interactions between these two domains. Through a holistic exploration of current developments and future possibilities, it aims to equip readers with a deeper understanding of the evolving dynamics within the realm of graphic design in the age of AI.
Key Words: Graphic Design, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Creativity, AI Design Tools, AI-Driven Design Platform
The convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and graphic design heralds a new era of innovation and transformation in the creative landscape. As defined by Oxford, AI represents the theory and development of computer systems equipped to perform tasks typically associated with human intelligence, ranging from visual perception to language translation. Meanwhile, machine learning, a subset of AI, empowers systems to autonomously learn from data and improve performance through pattern recognition. Within the expansive realm of graphic design, the discipline extends far beyond traditional notions of logo and interface design, encompassing a diverse array of visual communication endeavors aimed at conveying meaningful messages and addressing societal issues.
Researche Problem:
This study delves into the integration of artificial intelligence within the realm of graphic design, elucidating both its advantages and disadvantages. By dissecting the uncertainties surrounding this integration, it explores the potential future wherein human designers may be supplanted by intelligent machines. However, amidst this prospect, the article highlights the capacity of AI to complement rather than jeopardize the role of the graphic designer. As the industry progresses and embraces technological advancements, it becomes imperative to thoroughly scrutinize and comprehend every facet of this transformation. By doing so, we can effectively convert what may seem like a threat into an opportunity, ensuring our ability to adapt and coexist harmoniously with this evolving landscape.
Researche Boundries:
1- Geographical boundaries: Global reach.
2- Objective limitations: This article will explore some design software empowered by AI and its implications for the future of the graphic design industry.
3- Time frame: The article will cover some technologies developed between 2020 and the present, 2024.
Researche Objectives:
1- Providing definitions for graphic design, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.
2- Elucidating key graphic design software applications incorporating artificial intelligence.
3- Delving into the advantages and drawbacks of integrating machine intelligence into graphic design software.
4- Anticipating and forecasting the trajectory of artificial intelligence technology within the graphic design sector.
Researche Methodology:
The article follows the methodology of literature review\ analysis of previous academic research and articles to achieve the research objectives.
1- Artificial Intelligence:
According to the definition provided by Oxford, Artificial Intelligence entails the theory and advancement of computer systems capable of executing tasks typically attributed to human intelligence. These tasks include visual interpretation, speech understanding, cognitive processing, and linguistic conversion. (Oxford, n.d.)
2- Machine Learning:
Machine learning involves the utilization of computer algorithms to facilitate systems in autonomously learning from data and enhancing their performance by identifying patterns for prediction or classification purposes. Broadly, machine learning constitutes a subset of artificial intelligence wherein computers are endowed with the capability to make independent decisions without external assistance. (Sen, 2022)
3- Graphic Design:
When discussing graphic design, individuals often conjure images of logo design, business card design, flyer design, and interface design. However, the scope of graphic design is considerably broader. In essence, graphic design encompasses conceptualization, wherein a graphic designer conveys ideas through various visual elements such as lines, colors, textures, etc., conveying significant messages to society or addressing diverse issues. This comprehensive nature is why graphic design is often referred to as the communication art. (Adobe, n.d.)
Design is a problem-solving methodology centered around human needs and preferences. The noun “design” encompasses the actions of planning, developing, or creating, embodying a mindset, approach, and systematic procedure. A design, as a noun, represents the tangible outcome of the design process, embodying both form and function. Designers are integrated into various organizational settings, either as in-house professionals within established departments and business operations or as members of multidisciplinary client/project teams or specialized clusters of expertise within agencies and consultancies. Additionally, designers often operate as independent freelancers, offering their expertise to businesses both within and outside of organizational structures. With its human-centric focus, design is increasingly instrumental in dismantling traditional functional barriers, both within client organizations and agencies. (Best, 2010)
4- Innovative Technological Trends in Graphic Design:
In the realm of graphic design, the latest technological advancements prior to the advent of artificial intelligence include virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technology. Over recent years, these technologies have experienced significant proliferation, marking a new revolution that has broadened the horizons of graphic designers and professional firms while enhancing customer and user experiences. No longer exclusive to gamers and tech enthusiasts, VR and AR are rapidly becoming indispensable tools for graphic designers. Consider the scenario of donning a VR headset and immersing oneself within a design, traversing its dimensions, and experiencing it in a three-dimensional space. This futuristic concept has already materialized into present-day reality. Software applications like Adobe’s Aero are facilitating easier access to AR for designers, empowering them to craft immersive experiences directly from their workstations. Similarly, within the VR domain, platforms like Gravity Sketch enable designers to draw within a three-dimensional environment, effectively transforming the surrounding space into a canvas. This technological innovation transcends being merely a new medium; it represents a novel language of design. It symbolizes liberation from the constraints of the traditional two-dimensional screen, inviting exploration into a realm replete with endless possibilities. (I&T-Today, 2023)
5- The New Era of Graphic Design with Artificial Intelligence-Based Tools:
In the realm of graphic design, artificial intelligence (AI) serves primarily to expedite processes and, according to some perspectives, enhance creativity by presenting designers with diverse solutions for given tasks. AI’s advantage over human counterparts lies in its capacity to analyze extensive and varied datasets, predicting or even generating the most suitable design outcomes for specific applications. This is predominantly achieved through machine learning, which mirrors the process by which humans acquire knowledge. Utilizing various algorithms, AI extracts information from input data and generates outputs, progressively refining performance as it encounters more training samples. AI finds application in numerous graphic design tasks, including image manipulation, font and color selection, layout and composition creation, user research and customization, as well as automation. (Ivana Tomić, Ivana Jurič, Sandra Dedijer, Savka Adamović, 2023)
The landscape of graphic design is undergoing a transformation with the integration of generative AI-design tools. Generative AI encompasses technologies that autonomously create visual or textual content based on provided prompts. Platforms such as Adobe Firefly and Midjourney have emerged as essential tools in facilitating idea generation and expansion within the field. Leveraging vast datasets from the internet, these tools excel in producing realistic images and text, thus garnering traction among graphic designers. They offer creative professionals the opportunity to explore novel content possibilities and broaden their creative horizons. Moreover, generative AI holds promise in automating the creation of high-quality content, thereby enhancing content diversity and delivering personalized user experiences. (Iram)
Below are several widely used graphic design software applications and tools that integrate artificial intelligence capabilities:
5.1- Adobe Firefly:
Adobe Firefly stands as a generative AI platform developed by Adobe, meticulously crafted to seamlessly integrate with Adobe’s Creative Cloud suite of applications. Users can access Firefly through two avenues: via a web browser on the Firefly website or directly within the latest iteration of Photoshop. Its functionalities encompass a spectrum of features, including generative fill, text-to-image generation, text effects, and generative recoloring. Furthermore, Adobe is actively developing additional tools, such as 3D-to-image conversion, sketch-to-image conversion, text-to-pattern conversion, and text-to-vector conversion. To utilize Firefly, individuals must either subscribe to the Creative Cloud service or opt for a complimentary trial. According to Adobe’s official documentation, their AI art generator is trained on a repository of Adobe stock photos, openly licensed content, and public domain materials. This distinctive approach distinguishes Firefly from other generative AI platforms, potentially mitigating concerns regarding copyright infringement associated with competing text-to-image software like Midjourney and Stability AI. (McLean, 2024) Figure 1
5.2 MidJourny:
Midjourney represents an artificial intelligence software tailored for generating images based on provided prompts. The generation of these images relies on the creativity and imagination of the user. Currently, this AI application is exclusively accessible through a Discord bot interface. Users can initiate image creation by sending prompts directly to the bot via messaging, or by incorporating the bot into a third-party server environment. (Sharman, 2023) Figure 2
5.3 Canva:
Canva stands out as a favored choice for individuals seeking to craft appealing designs without grappling with complex design software. Renowned for its user-friendly interface, web-based accessibility, and cost-free availability, Canva offers thousands of stunning templates to inspire users in their design endeavors. With a diverse array of templates at their disposal, users can effortlessly create presentations, design business cards, and social media posts, initiate new journal entries, design simple logos, and explore numerous other design possibilities by using Canvas templates. (Gridfiti, 2022) Figure 3
5.4 Design.com:
This website helps business owners by generating logos for their needs. To initiate the use of Design.com’s logo maker, the user inputs their business name, and the Logo Maker instantly generates amazing logo designs. Thousands of logos tailored to the business’s name will be generated, allowing the user to browse and discover a design that meets their needs. If a more specific logo is desired, keywords can be entered to refine the search and locate a design that truly aligns with the user’s business. (Design.com, n.d.) Figure 4
Figure 1. Jose Alpedrinha – (Text-to-Image) generated image by using Adobe Firefly, the description as the following: “musical dream, photorealistic, highly detailed, musical notes”. (Alpedrinha, 2024)
Figure 2. Behnaz Farahi – generated image by using Midjourny, the description as the following: “wearable architecture and myth of central core imagery”. (Farahi, 2022)
Figure 3. Poster templet by Canva. (Canva)
Figure 4. Poster templets by Design.com. (Design.com, n.d.)
6- Predictions for The Future of AI-Driven Design:
As artificial intelligence progresses in the field of design, designers will evolve from mere creators to curators. They will be tasked with developing AI systems and training them to address problems across various objectives and scenarios. Setting parameters, constraints, and objectives for AI models, designers will refine the designs produced by AI and evaluate them. Moreover, AI-driven design platforms will democratize training in creative intelligence and human-centered design, making it accessible to individuals outside the professional sphere. This accessibility will empower non-designers to nurture their creativity and design thinking abilities, allowing them to participate in design roles without formal design backgrounds. While AI-driven tools may reduce barriers to entry into the design profession, there will still be a growing demand for skilled designers. Despite the ability of amateur designers to swiftly generate numerous design iterations using AI, experienced designers will be indispensable for evaluating and selecting designs that best suit the context. Looking ahead, the future of design will prominently feature engagement with AR/VR technologies. The proliferation of AR/VR platforms will necessitate specialized skills in crafting virtual experiences. AI systems may not entirely meet the challenges posed by virtual reality interactions and curating virtual experiences, highlighting the ongoing importance of human designers in this arena. (Nguyen, 2023)
7- Exploring Ethical Considerations in AI Utilization:
The subject matter at hand is intricate due to the multifaceted considerations and analyses involved in utilizing AI. This section will delve into several ethical considerations pertinent to the use of AI tools. Given the widespread recognition of the significance of privacy in online data sharing, individuals relying on AI tools for data collection and processing must ensure the proper handling of data, avoiding its disclosure to third parties. In the realm of machine learning, the outcome heavily hinges on the accessibility of the data undergoing processing. In the domain of UX design, this can translate to outcomes that predominantly reflect the characteristics of the majority population, inadvertently excluding specific groups not adequately represented in the dataset, thereby resulting in a design that lacks inclusivity. Another concern pertains to biased design, stemming from biases inherent in the data. Moreover, instances where AI-generated content becomes intrusive or offensive prompt questions regarding accountability: Is responsibility attributed to the algorithm, the vendor, or the user for failing to provide the software with accurate input? (Ivana Tomić, Ivana Jurič, Sandra Dedijer, Savka Adamović, 2023)
8- Conclusion:
In conclusion, the integration of AI in graphic design offers both unprecedented opportunities and ethical considerations. As designers transition from creators to curators, they harness AI systems to tackle complex challenges, refine designs, and enhance user experiences. However, amidst the technological advancements lie ethical dilemmas concerning data privacy, inclusivity, and accountability. As AI-driven tools democratize design accessibility, the demand for skilled designers remains paramount, underscoring the irreplaceable role of human creativity and expertise in shaping the future of design. With a steadfast commitment to ethical principles and a nuanced understanding of AI’s capabilities and limitations, the graphic design community can navigate the evolving landscape with ingenuity and integrity, ensuring that innovation serves to uplift and empower all stakeholders in the creative process.
9- References:
1- Oxford. (n.d.). Artificial Intelligence – Oxfod Reference. From Oxford Reference: https://www.oxfordreference.com/display/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803095426960#:~:text=The%20theory%20and%20development%20of,making%2C%20and%20translation%20between%20languages.
2- Sen, J. (2022). Machine Learning Algorithms, Models and Applications. London: IntechOpen.
Adobe. (n.d.). What is graphic design? eLearning. From Adobe: https://elearning.adobe.com/2021/10/what-is-graphic-design-what-does-graphic-design-mean/
3- Best, K. (2010). The Fundamentals of Design Management. Switzerland: AVA Publishing SA.
4- I&T-Today. (2023). The Future of Graphic Design: Emerging Tech Trends to Watch. Innovation-&-Tech-Today.
5- Iram, F. (n.d.). Designing with AI – A User Study to Explore the Future Role of AI as a Collaborative Tool in Graphics Design. Södertörns University, 1-14.
6- Ivana Tomić, Ivana Jurič, Sandra Dedijer, Savka Adamović. (2023). Artificial Intelligence in Graphic Design. Researchgate, 2-12.
7- Alpedrinha, J. (2024, April 26). Adobe Firefly. From Adobe: https://firefly.adobe.com/community/view/texttoimage?id=urn:aaid:sc:US:e293cbbb-0ad9-4e33-ba7d-b02b9087e3ad
8- McLean, D. (2024, February 14). How to Create AI Art with Adobe Firefly in 2024. From elegent: https://www.elegantthemes.com/blog/design/adobe-firefly
9- Sharman, J. (2023, December 28). What is Midjourney AI: Updates (December 2023). From Shiksha online: https://www.shiksha.com/online-courses/articles/all-about-midjourney-ai/#:~:text=Midjourney%20is%20an%20artificial%20intelligence,to%20a%20third%2Dparty%20server.
10- Farahi, B. (2022, October 01). Midjourney: in the middle of the universe and multiverse of AI imagination. From Stir World: https://www.stirworld.com/see-features-midjourney-in-the-middle-of-the-universe-and-multiverse-of-ai-imagination
11- Gridfiti. (2022, June 13). Aesthetic Canva Templates & Design Ideas. From Gridfiti: https://gridfiti.com/aesthetic-canva-templates/
12- Canva. (n.d.). 50 outstanding posters to inspire your next design. From Canva: https://www.canva.com/learn/poster-design/
13- Design.com. (n.d.). Logo maker. From Design.com: https://www.design.com/s/logo?var=ai-logo-generator&25OFFSEM&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=row_04_services_logo_maker&utm_adgroup=aie&utm_content=690118572179&utm_keyword=ai%20logo%20maker&utm_network=g&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw57exBhAsE
14- Nguyen, H. (2023). Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Design. LAB University of Applied Sciences, 1-44.
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