Artificial intelligence (AI) has been used for a long time, but it has reached the general population in relatively few months, causing people who were unaware of this technology to start incorporating it into their lives. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a branch of computing that, through algorithms, allows people to perform tasks on their own without being specifically programmed to do a certain one.

But how will artificial intelligence (AI) affect industrial designers? As has already been verified, this type of technology can produce incredible designs in a very short time. In any case, many of these designs are impossible to manufacture, so the figure of the designer or engineer is essential (at least for now) to bring this creativity to reality.

However, engineering and industrial design studios have been familiar with AI for some time. CAD programs, which appeared in the 90s, were already a revolution and the first seed of artificial intelligence. It has gone from freehand drawing to having programs that facilitate and reduce the time it takes to complete the project and predict how a piece will behave in certain conditions. In any case, it still takes a lot of knowledge and dedication on the part of the designer.

Another area of AI that is being used in industrial design is generative design. This type of technology allows the engineer to create parameters that help artificial intelligence generate different models without the direct intervention of the designer.

And finally, one last area of artificial intelligence applied to industrial design and much better known is rapid prototyping. Until 3D printers appeared, making a prototype was very expensive and time-consuming. With rapid prototyping, we can have a sample of the design made in a matter of hours. The problem is that today you still cannot have a 3D print with any material.

So, as a reflection, artificial intelligence should be seen as an ally to design, an opportunity to strengthen creativity and create a tandem between designer and AI to obtain better products. Designers have been benefiting from advances in technology for years and this will be no exception.

*image created with AI