Exploring how generative AI can support design ideation

Close-up view of a wooden sculpture depicting the upper body, chest, and shoulder of a human figure with detailed carved textures.

Close-up of carved wooden letters and decorative wood details on a wooden surface.

Woman wearing a long black coat with animal print and metallic accents, walking indoors with white walls and furniture in the background.

The back of a person's wooden sculpture with detailed engravings depicting various scenes and figures.

The image shows the inside of a black textured blazer with a patterned lining, open to reveal a white satin blouse underneath.

Black and white mural of a man in a tuxedo and scarf standing against a brick wall.

A vintage dress made from paper currency, designed with intricate folds and details, displayed on a mannequin.

Vic is using generative AI to build content and imagery that can inform design development. The designer’s intention is not to let AI dictate the outcome of the final product, rather use it as a tool to create reference imagery.

Sensing that generated AI imagery often appears futuristic and highly polished, Vic is training her model to offer ornate design that is imperfect and charmingly aged.

Vic hopes to address the issue of ownership within working with AI. As a seasoned designer in the industry, Vic is passionate about generating her own reference imagery rather than using work directly from another designer.

Considering that AI generations are derivative, Vic believes it is critical that the human maintains the role of nuancing, altering and reinventing ideas to honour a true creative process.