The march of technology

The inroad of digital tools on design has been dramatic, both in terms of process (digitalisation) and outcome (digitisation). For example, in graphic design, the computer, both hard- and software, has much reduced the use of analogue design tools, from pencils and erasers to ruler and scissors, to the proverbial "designing-out-of-the-box".  Similarly, the digital influence on design thinking has become pronounced with online search engines, social media and chatbots, such as ChatGPT embedded in everyday life. Although designer tool kits still contain analogue tools for, say, sketching or modelling, time and cost pressures in professional practice mean digital skills are at the forefront in the design process. In architecture, for example, Building information modelling, BIM - computer files which can be extracted, exchanged or networked to support decision-making regarding building projects - has now become industry standard. Moreover, with integration of BIM into AI systems, designers risk becoming overly dependent on them. The impact of the digital age on design education is equally obvious as traditional skill erosion means it is largely up to students themselves to seek opportunities for analogue skill development. Finally, while designers, in education, training and industry must gain AI skills or risk being left behind, it seems imperative that the creative sector ask themselves what risk to human creativity, innovation and judgement if designers are asked to implementing AI suggestions without critical evaluation.