The Design Report: How Image Generative Artificial Intelligence is Changing the Culture of Design?

Abstract

The rapid rise of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) is reshaping the global culture of visual communication professions by automating design and design-thinking, causing an acceleration in the already-shifting values which favor profit, speed, and cost effectiveness over human expression. As the accessibility of GAI models is integrated into creative spaces, opportunities within the profession are beginning to diminish causing introductory and junior level design positions to be highly competitive and out of reach for many beginner designers’ reach. Additionally, GAI is causing the homogenization of global culture and values, ultimately reinforcing the ideas of capitalism. The result has been a further reduction of intentional, visual craft to a commodity; stripping humanity of the opportunity for expression. Through critiques of researchers such as Kara Combs et al., Benjamin Matthews et al., Ben Davis, Mike Monterio and many more sources, generative artificial intelligence is being exposed for how it is promoting racial bias, accelerating the displacement of art-related jobs, and discouraging the human artist. Analysis of this research and comparisons between human art and artificially generated art highlights the urgent need for regulation of GAI development–not only for the benefit of the design professional, but for all of humanity’s role in shaping global culture