Does AI Have a Place in 3D Design and How to best use it as an amazing tool to support Great Design? One of the moments big questions…..
The integration of AI into creative industries has sparked lively debates, especially in 3D design for commercial, hospitality, and retail spaces, as well as exhibition stands. While AI promises innovation and efficiency, is it truly ready to take over creative projects?
With the emergence of software like AI Chaos, Leonardo AI and Midjourney the conversation is heating up.
What Is an AI Design Package?
Newly launched AI software claims to revolutionise 3D design (and other industries) is becoming a common theme. Among its bold promises, the software touts features like:
Automating the creation of detailed 3D models.
Generating layouts based on minimal input.
Offering real-time suggestions to optimise space usage.
Speeding up rendering times significantly.
Algorithms that are significantly optimised to create photo-realistic renders.
On paper, this sounds like the dream tool for 3D designers under pressure to meet tight deadlines but the design software and capabilities extra tools to speed up the work.
But how does AI perform when faced with real-life requirements?
The Pros of AI in 3D Design
AI technology has its advantages in the design world. AI packages can assist with repetitive tasks, such as generating multiple layout options or refining renders. And, the photo-realistic images can be really impressive, especially when they can be created by much less experienced designers.
This can save time and allow designers to focus on refining the creative elements of a project. Additionally, AI can quickly process vast datasets, offering potential insights into how spaces can be optimised for functionality and aesthetics.
When used as a supplementary tool, AI might help speed up workflows, reduce errors, and even provide inspiration in the early stages of a project. At its current stage of development AI has many uses but for producing final presentations and client approvals it can sometimes have limitations that would be counterproductive.
One of the key challenges is atomisation and control – the AI generated results look amazing, but professionals find that they have less control over altering these images for client needs than traditional methods. This can lead to inconsistent outcomes in a render when AI misinterprets certain design inputs, styles and intentions.
The render may look amazing, but as a usable image to move to the next stage, it might not be cost-effective for a client’s budget.
The Cons – Is AI Ready for Creative Freedom?
However, as with all AI, there are clear limitations. Creative projects require more than algorithms; they need personal touches, human intuition, and the ability to interpret complex briefs that go beyond data.
AI is revolutionary but it is not a replacement for the human creative process, and it should be seen as an evolving supplementary tool.
What Needs to Improve?
Like any emerging technology AI in its current state is not a replacement for human commercial 3D Designers but the technology moves fast and its current speed of development is pretty amazing. AI has to advance but it is showing rapid movement towards being a powerful tool.
It has to learn to understand briefs that are not purely technical but steeped in emotional and creative subtleties. Designers thrive on understanding clients’ personalities, their brand ethos, and their unique visions—qualities AI cannot currently replicate without human interaction – but the algorithms learn fast and as it develops – who knows?
There is currently a Government Consultation in progress to ensure the legal framework for AI supports copyright in the Creative Industries and AI sector.
So…does AI have an important place in 3D design? Well, we probably stand on the cusp of a technical change where traditional work practices and AI approaches are going to become harder to separate.
Revolution is in the air in many commercial settings by AI, and it’s going to be an exciting developmental process. Creativity and humanity will always be important but also adapting to new work methods, learning to get the most out of the AI and being a master of many skills may be the new normal. There are inevitably some parts of the design and build process that AI will excel at (especially technical aspects) and others that require human intuition and expertise.
Continual learning will be essential to understand its potential. AI can assist particularly with repetitive tasks, data analysis and even design drafts but it is no replacement for human creative at this stage.
AI is definitely a collaborative tool that we can harness, but rather than a threat should be seen as a tool that amplifies our creative achievements. Ongoing training in the uses and developments of AI will be a must for all forward-thinking designers.
To discuss your next project with real designers who understand your vision, contact Benjamin Spencer Design today. Let’s create something —together.
Comments