weekly ai & design roundup #1
Exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping design—through creativity, empathy, and productivity.
This week, we’re looking at AI’s impact on design from three distinct and surprising angles:
A psychologist urges us to keep humanity at the center of AI design.
A design pioneer reframes AI as a utopian tool for creativity.
An architecture firm embraces AI to dramatically reduce design time and cost.
1. Designing AI with Empathy
Synopsys: This article dives into the importance of emotional intelligence in AI interactions.
Whether it’s the way ChatGPT offers gentle suggestions (“This feels more appropriate, what do you think?”), or Spotify playlists that feel personally curated, we’re seeing early signs of emotionally aware AI.
Why it matters: Designers must consider not just function and form—but also the emotional context of how people experience AI. The “end user” is a human being with nuance, not just a data point.
Source: Psychology Today
2. Ross Lovegrove: AI as a Creative Ally
Synopsys: Renowned designer Ross Lovegrove sees AI as an extension of the designer’s creative process. “Instead of moaning about the impact of AI, it’s better to get on the horse and ride it... AI is complementary, like having a conversation with a very intelligent friend.”
Why it matters: This optimistic view positions AI not as a threat, but as a catalyst for deeper, faster, more exploratory thinking in design.
Source: Wallpaper*
3. An Architecture Firm Built Around AI
Synopsis: Cove Tool, now also operating as Cove Architecture, uses its own proprietary AI system to handle almost every aspect of the design and documentation process. The result? In some cases, a 60% reduction in time and cost.
Why it matters: This isn't theoretical—it's happening now. Firms that strategically implement AI can move faster, spend less, and potentially free up more time for creative problem solving.
Source: Multi-Housing News
Final Thought
Each of these perspectives—psychological, creative, and operational—reminds us that AI’s impact isn’t just about automation. It’s about rethinking how we ask questions, imagine possibilities, and design experiences.
