AI, VR, AR and MR as ideation tools

Of the four categories of ideation tools (words, sketching, modelling and computing), computing is fast becoming a powerful means of generating and communicating design ideas that goes beyond traditional CAD systems or rendering and editing software. Thus artificial intelligence, AI, is already making inroads in designing behaviour for AI powered objects, for example, robot vacuum cleaners, smart devices to help save energy or enforce safety, or software for creating new cooking recipes without cultural bias. Equally exciting is the potential of virtual reality, VR, augmented reality, AR, or mixed reality, MR, as ideation tools. VR games are showing the way whereby users, unlike traditional user interfaces are immersed and able to interact with 3D worlds. AR is exemplified by the Google glass, and MR by the Microsoft HoloLens. But while these technologies brings both similar and different experiences, as ideation tools they could be seen as complimentary rather than competing technologies.