As visual designers, integrating ChatGPT and other A.I. technologies into the visual design workflow has the potential to revolutionize the way we approach our work.
A solid process of visual design involves identifying and defining a problem, collecting and analyzing data, testing and iteration, and creativity and innovation, which is just like any scientific research. By utilizing machine learning algorithms for content creation and analysis, designers are equipped with new ways to brainstorm, lower costs for visual communication, expanded options of tools, which will push our design to the next level. Such innovation could also help us to rebuild our visual design workflow, as we seek to incorporate new tools and strategies to optimize our design processes. The possibilities are endless.
Below we illustrate three directions for incorporating A.I. assistants like ChatGPT into the visual design workflow.
The goal of the research phase is to gather as much information as possible to inform the design process and ensure that the resulting design meets the needs of its users and aligns with the goals of the project.
ChatGPT is a good companion to work with in brainstorming or conceptualization phases. It is very good at chatting, and it is patient, logical and knowledgeable. Designers can ask ChatGPT to generate ideas to:
Quick Tips:
While ChatGPT is great at generating text, it cannot generate images (yet, as of writing). But it is capable of facilitating sketching by combining ChatGPT with A.I. image generators.
If you are already using A.I. image generating tools, such as DALL·E2
In summary, we can use ChatGPT to provide or enhance image descriptions as a new method for creating sketches or visual ideas.
Most revolutionary to the production phase is that visual designers can now leverage the coding capabilities of ChatGPT and feed that into any software applications that have a coding interface. In short, ChatGPT can serve as a valuable technical helper for designers by providing scripts with personalized and detailed instructions.
Here are some examples where ChatGPT can come to help:
In the section below, we list some mainstream applications that are able to utilize ChatGPT through code.
(1) Adobe After Effects | Motion graphic software
(2) Blender | 3D software
(3) Processing | Flexible software sketchbook
Processing supports multiple coding languages including Java, JavaScript, Python, and Ruby. It works on an arts-oriented approach to learning, teaching, and making things with code.
(4) OpenFrameWorks | Open source C++ toolkit
OpenFrameworks is an open source C++ toolkit designed to assist the creative process by providing a simple and intuitive framework for experimentation.
(5) Unity | Game engine
Quick tips
Xinyi Zhu
Motion Graphic Designer/Animator
xz3366@nyu.edu