Practice-based dissertation
University work – One semester, individual project – 2022-2023
Lead question: In what parts of the design processes might it be valuable to use AI tools, and how will this impact the role of designers?
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Design Process, Workflow, AI Collaboration, The Future of Design, Creativity.
I chose to do a practice-based dissertation. This means that my submission would consist of a digital artefact and a critical essay based on a literature review and research, as well as reflections on my digital artefact.
My digital artefact was an exploration of using AI in the process of producing an animated music video for the song “Miami Beach, 1984” (not the final music video itself). Together with my research for the essay, I learned a lot about how AI tools can be both beneficial and have a negative impact on the design process and results.
AI in the design process
I made use of the text-to-image generator Midjourney for visual inspiration, styleframes and graphics (title card). In some cases, it contributed to a good, iterative creative process.
I also tested an AI motion capture tool called Plask.AI. It captures 3D data from video footage that can be used for any character within minutes, without the need for specialized suits and cameras.
EbSynth is the last AI tool I made use of. It’s an interpolation tool that lets you stylize an animation. In creating an animation using this tool, the designer gives the software an input video and an input keyframe and the software distributes the style of the keyframe to all the remaining frames in the animation.
Click here to see the full process, more detailed explanations and the final music video.
Midjourney output (title card)
Final title card
Title card in context
Midjourney output
Midjourney output
EbSynth input animation
EbSynth input keyframe
EbSynth output (full animation)
Plask.AI input
Plask.AI output