AI and the future of design: Designing with AI - Noah L, Jordan S, Andrew P, Vincent van der Meulen

Science & Technology

Introduction

AI and its impact on the design industry were discussed by Noah L, Jordan S, Andrew P, and Vincent van der Meulen during the Config 2023 event. The team from Figma and Diagram explored the possibilities of integrating AI into the design process and shared their insights on how AI can assist designers in various stages of the design journey.

Introduction and Changes Based on Feedback

The event started with a warm welcome and an acknowledgment of some changes made based on participants' feedback. The product deep dives were moved to the main stage room, allowing for a detailed exploration of the features launched. Additionally, an overflow room was opened on the third floor to accommodate more attendees. The team expressed their gratitude for the participants' presence and enthusiasm, emphasizing the significance of the event for the Figma community.

AI and the Evolution of Design

Noah began by highlighting two essential assumptions: design is about problem-solving for people, and design evolves with technology. He emphasized that AI is not the first major shift in the design industry. Previous shifts, such as the introduction of printing presses, animation technology, and digital photography, have all influenced the way designers work. AI should be seen as a tool to assist designers rather than replace them.

Changes in the Design Process

Noah discussed how AI could potentially change the way designers work in terms of what they design, how they design, and who designs. He described a shift toward more dynamic, task-based computing, simplification of interfaces, and a focus on core user tasks. Design Systems were also seen as a key component in enabling designers to shift their focus from small design elements to overall flows. Noah emphasized the importance of collaboration and the shared space where designers and AI can work together.

AI in the Design Process

Noah introduced the concept of bringing AI into every phase of the design process, from brainstorming to prototyping to development. He showcased several engineering demos, including AI-generated suggestions for icebreakers, clustering and organizing ideas, recommending design components based on existing systems, and automating common design tasks. Noah also emphasized the role of AI in facilitating collaboration, assisting in communication and handoff, and matching components between design and code.

The Journey of Diagram

Jordan, Andrew, and Vincent from the Diagram team joined the stage to present their exploration of the design space with AI. They discussed their journey in building a design assistant and shared various product demos. The team highlighted the challenges they faced, including representing visual design in a language model, evaluating the AI's performance, and determining the best interaction methods. They showcased different concepts such as Auto Suggest, Text Design, Magic Elements, and finally, Genius Chat.

Genius Chat: Conversational Design with AI

Andrew presented the concept of Genius Chat, a direct and interactive way to communicate with AI within the design tool. He demonstrated how designers can engage in a conversation with the AI to receive suggestions, generate design elements, or ask questions about design considerations. The team showcased examples of adding elements, generating copy, and integrating external APIs into the chat interface. They emphasized the early stage of the project and the importance of community involvement in shaping the future of AI in design.

Keywords

AI, design, design process, assistant, Design Systems, collaboration, brainstorming, prototyping, development, feedback, automating tasks, components, communication, Genius Chat.

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