For my undergraduate thesis at Politecnico di Torino, I collaborated with another student to explore the topic of "Artificial Intelligence in the Field of Design." Our research revealed a significant uncertainty among Italian creatives about integrating AI tools into their work, driven by fears of change and the complexity of AI systems. This hesitation was not only due to the AI itself but also the usability challenges of the platforms.
Date
December, 2023
Role
Lead UX/UI Designer, Graphic Designer
Client
University Project
Diving Deep
In the research phase we delved into the history of AI, with a particular focus on text-to-image AI. We examined how these systems work, the most commonly used tools, recent trends on social media, and the ethical considerations surrounding AI usage in Italy. To better understand the current landscape, we developed a questionnaire and conducted interviews, gathering insights that would shape the direction of our project.
Our research revealed that a significant portion of participants had never used AI tools. Among those who had, 70% reported difficulties in achieving the desired results, while 40% struggled with crafting effective prompts. This highlighted the need for more accessible and user-friendly AI platforms within the design community.
Designing the Future: Website Prototype and Zine
After the research phase, I shifted focus to the design and development of the website prototype in Figma, which was primarily my responsibility. The prototype showcases our findings and serves as a resource for designers looking to integrate AI into their workflows. Additionally, I designed a mini zine as a printed support tool for users who prefer physical guides. Both the website and the zine were projects entirely entrusted to me.
Experimentation and Analysis
To further our understanding, we conducted an experiment using two consistent prompts to compare the accuracy and coherence of different AI systems. This, along with an analysis of competitors and comparables, provided valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of various AI tools.
This thesis project was a comprehensive exploration of AI's role in design, where I honed my research skills and deepened my expertise in user-centered design. The project reinforced the importance of making emerging technologies accessible to creatives, and it inspired me to continue exploring the intersection of design and AI.
Next Steps
The insights gained from this project have motivated me to further investigate how AI can be better integrated into the creative process. I’m excited to continue this journey, contributing to the development of tools that make AI more intuitive and effective for designers.