Artificial Intelligence: A New Ally for Designers

Min Huei Lu's Innovative Campaign Encourages Designers to Embrace AI

Min Huei Lu's inspiration for Minarva stemmed from a report by NPR titled "Will your job be done by a machine?" which suggested an 8 percent chance of graphic design jobs becoming automated within 20 years. This sparked a question: How can designers be convinced that AI is not a threat, but a tool to be embraced for problem-solving and handling repetitive tasks?

Minarva, the resulting campaign, is unique in its mission to foster a meaningful human-machine relationship. Rather than eliminating the designer's occupation, AI is positioned as a design partner and tool that can help designers adapt to the evolving demands of the workplace. Minarva aims to help designers understand the impact of AI on the design field and encourage them to leverage this technology.

The campaign was realized using Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Indesign, and Adobe XD. The materials produced include an event poster, event ticket, and event name cards, all designed for the "Artificial Intelligence In Graphic Design Conference." This 3-day event held in San Francisco, CA, in November, featured design workshops and talks from various speakers, all aimed at enhancing designers' understanding of AI and its potential in the creative industry.

The project, which began in September 2017 and concluded in December 2019, was based in San Francisco. It involved extensive research, including a focus group of 36 designers and computer scientists, which yielded valuable insights that guided the thesis project. The deliverables included a promotional campaign, website, design app, publication, and conference materials.

One of the key challenges faced during the project was overcoming the fear and lack of understanding of AI technology. The task of convincing graphic designers that AI cannot replace creative and critical thinking tasks, but can assist with repetitive and monotonous jobs, was a significant hurdle. However, the campaign successfully conveyed this message, emphasizing that AI can be an ally for designers in the future, aiding in personalizing consumer experiences and bridging the gap between art, science, engineering, and design.

The campaign's success was recognized with a Silver A' Graphics, Illustration and Visual Communication Design Award in 2021. This prestigious award is given to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise, innovation, and artistic skill, and that evoke positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.