THE AI REVOLUTION IN DESIGN
How a 1984 commodore manual predicted today’s creative landscape and why designers must upskill
I was just rummaging through my mother's basement when I stumbled upon the first computer my father bought in 1984—a Commodore Vic 20. As I dusted it off and basked in retro nostalgia, I came across the introduction of the manual. It boldly declared:
“The computer revolution cannot be stopped... the world is becoming divided into two sorts of people—the passengers and the pilots.”
That 1984 manual predicted exactly what we’re experiencing today, only now the revolution is powered by AI, and the creative world is at the center of it. Entire creative teams are being replaced, but the difference between the passengers and pilots remains the same—those who upskill and take control of AI will thrive, while those who sit back will be left behind.
Let’s talk about what’s happening in our industry right now and why it’s time to grab the controls and pilot your creative career into the future.
The AI takeover: coca-cola and the creative “shake-up”
Take Coca-Cola, for example. In 2023, they teamed up with Adobe Firefly and NVIDIA Omniverse to launch AI-driven campaigns across 100+ markets. This move allowed them to personalize and create ads on a global scale, while replacing entire departments with AI tools. They now generate 32% of their content and 17% of idea development using AI. Source: Adobe Creative Cloud NVIDIA Blog
It’s like swapping out a whole art department for an AI engine that can crank out work faster than any human team ever could. But don’t hit the panic button just yet—this isn’t about humans versus machines. It’s about becoming the pilot who directs AI to new creative heights.
Be the pilot, not the passenger
Cue the old Commodore Vic 20 manual’s wisdom: there are two types of people—passengers and pilots. Passengers let things happen to them, grumbling about change but never adapting. Pilots, however, grab the controls and steer into the future. AI is your co-pilot—it’s there to handle the repetitive stuff so you can focus on the creative vision.
Remember when Photoshop first showed up? The designers who mastered it became the rockstars, while the rest scrambled to catch up. AI is today’s Photoshop moment, and learning to master AI tools like MidJourney, DALL-E, and Firefly will make you the creative director of your own future.
Designers with superpowers: Students who embraced AI
At ArtCenter College of Design, students are already using AI tools to create everything from tropical juice packaging to educational card games. AI allows them to try 100 different design iterations before lunch, something that would have taken days or weeks before. Imagine failing faster and experimenting more without the time constraints that usually hamper creativity.
Packaging concepts created by Graphic Design Professor Gerardo Herrera, using AI programs.
Think of AI as your creative sidekick, like if Robin suddenly became a design genius who could whip up 50 different Batarangs for Batman to choose from. But you’re still Batman—you get to decide which design saves the day.
But what about the jobs?
Yes, AI is fast, efficient, and can produce mind-blowing content. But it still can’t understand why Papyrus font will forever be a design crime. It doesn’t get emotions, cultural nuances, or that certain spark that makes design meaningful. AI is great at producing, but only you can make it resonate.
For instance, JP Morgan uses AI to scan and analyze contracts, but humans still handle the strategy and decision-making DigitalDefynd. The same holds true for design—AI can churn out options, but you decide which one tells the best story.
How to stay ahead: Your AI toolkit
So, what’s the playbook for staying relevant in this AI-driven design world?
Master AI Tools: Get friendly with Firefly, MidJourney, DALL-E, and ChatGPT. These tools are here to stay, and the faster you learn them, the faster you become indispensable.
Use AI for the Heavy Lifting: Let AI handle the repetitive tasks—iterating on logos, experimenting with colors, or drafting basic layouts—so you can focus on storytelling and strategy.
Focus on Your Human Skills: AI can generate content, but only humans can connect with audiences on an emotional level. Lean into what makes you irreplaceable—your ability to create brands and designs that resonatedeeply with people.
Final thought: Stop playing pong, start piloting
Are you going to be the designer stuck in the basement playing Pong on your Vic 20, or are you ready to pilot your career into the AI future? AI is here to stay, but it’s not the enemy—it’s your greatest ally if you know how to use it.
At House of gAi, we’re here to help you transition from Mac operator to creative pilot. Learn how to incorporate AI into your workflow and lead the charge into the future of design.
Ready to pilot your creative career into the future? Join the Creative Futures Hub and learn about AI integration for designers—become the design leader who directs the AI revolution.