Digital Craftsmanship Inquiry in AI
Summary of the Project
The Digital Craftsmanship Inquiry in AI project emerges from the increasing prevalence of generative AI technologies, such as large language models (LLMs) and text-to-image generators, in both industry and education. Developed by the Future Everyday group within the Industrial Design department, the project addresses the need to integrate these tools into design education responsibly. While AI offers immense potential for creative exploration, its misuse or over-reliance could undermine human creativity. The project aims to shift this narrative by positioning AI as a tool for experimentation and dialogue rather than mere automation.
Building on the DCB150 Digital Craftsmanship course, the project introduces students to new methods of working with AI in their creative processes. Through workshops and challenge-based assignments, students will explore how AI can enhance their design thinking, allowing them to co-create with digital tools. The project will run iterative pilots, refining its methods and sharing findings through academic publications and internal knowledge exchanges to set a precedent for responsible AI use in design education.
Aim of the Project
The aim is to revolutionize how AI is perceived and utilized in design education. Rather than focusing on efficiency or the automation of creative tasks, the project emphasizes AI's role in fostering deeper, more iterative design practices. It seeks to empower students to engage in meaningful, exploratory dialogues with AI-generated content, enhancing their ability to combine digital and physical materials in innovative ways.
A core objective is to cultivate technical and ethical proficiency in AI use. Students will gain hands-on experience with generative tools, learning not only to harness their potential but also to navigate their limitations, including issues of bias and proper attribution. The project also aims to establish best practices for incorporating AI in creative workflows, fostering a culture of responsible and reflective design.
Results and learnings
This project is still ongoing.