Digital detox

The impact of AI systems across individual and societal activities is evoking the notion of digital detox, described as commitment to reduce, limit, or eliminate the use of digital devices and technology like computers, smartphones, and social media platforms. But in design environments, does reliance on digital technologies hold back creativity? This may, at first, seem counterintuitive, as AI-driven design tools such as Adobe Firefly or Midjourney, have become integrated in everyday design practice. Indeed this convergence of human creativity and technology is redefining the design process not just in terms of productivity but empowering designers to unlock untapped potential, and create once unimaginable designs. Yet, over-reliance on digital devices and AI systems may result in automation biases and complacency that may diminish designer focus and so make it harder to ideate and innovate.To counter such risks, digital detox aims at taking a break from constant connectivity and screen time to reflect on the relationship between human creativity and technology. But to choose to limit or reduce designer tech time is complicated in modern-day design practice which is hugely dependent on digital tools and materials. However, there's one straightforward way for designers to this. That is, to set time aside for using pen and paper, and start sketching!