Digital detox

The notion of digital detox, described as commitment to reduce, limit, or eliminate the use of digital devices and technology like smartphones, computers, tablets, and social media platforms, is increasingly discussed in the workplace and in education. But in design environments, does reliance on digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, AI, 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. That is, designers typically collaborate with colleagues to share ideas and best practices for effective AI integration. 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 carry the risk of mental fatigue that diminishes designer focus and so make it harder to generate ideas and concepts.The aim of a digital detox is to take a break from constant connectivity and screen time to recharge and rethink the relationship between human creativity and technology. But the way to choose to limit or reduce designer tech time is complicated because modern-day design processes make it difficult to completely withdraw from digital tools and materials. However, there's one simple way for designers to this. That is, to set time aside for analogue tools, notably freehand sketching. In other words, get out pen and paper, and start sketching!