In the last century, we have seen a massive shift in the way we design and create art. From cave paintings to architecture to digital media, we have seen artists adapt to their surroundings, creating new technologies and tools to help them communicate their vision. 

Yet today, we are at a precipice—an opportunity to take this evolution even further. With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), designers have an incredible tool at their disposal that allows them to create without limits. The only thing standing in the way of our ability to dream up truly amazing things is ourselves: our creativity, our passion for creation, our fear of the unknown, and our willingness to embrace this new technology. 

But how do we get there? How do we begin? We start by re-imagining what it means to be a designer. In the past, designers were limited by their materials; they had no choice but to use whatever they could find or create themselves—from charcoal on cave walls to paints made from minerals and plants. Today, we sit at an unprecedented moment in history where these limitations are gone—we can use AI as an extension of ourselves. We can either fear AI or embrace it. I chose to embrace it, as we all should, and help future creatives to embrace it as well. The computer is no more an artist than a paint brush is. 

The best thing about computers is that they can do something that humans cannot: they can help us see the world in new ways. They can help us make sense of our lives and our 

memories in ways that are clearer than ever before. And therefore, we should embrace AI-powered design tools: because they will allow us to create things that were impossible before now, and—most importantly—they’ll help us create things that are impossible for us alone to create on our own. 

What does this mean for design? It means that we’re entering an era where designers will have access to tools that were once exclusive to programmers, engineers, and scientists (and maybe even artists). This means there will be new tools available for designing everything from spaceships to food packaging! And while some of these tools may feel like magic at first (because they are), they’ll quickly become commonplace as we learn how to use them effectively. This technological advancement is no different than when photography entered the scene in history. It is a new tool for the artist to use, not a replacement. Do not confuse the tool with the artist. Embrace the future and the future will embrace you. 

The above is a screen shot of the AR statue representing designers/humanity embracing AI to help create a new, beautiful future.