I often raised this question during the last session of my classes to stir up a debate about the values of their brand new skill set and the potential of technology to augment, disrupt or even replace this skill.
Is the ability to sketch still relevant in the context of the AI-wave of text-to-image and image-to-image generation tools that is currently crashing down on us?
Or how about the use of VR with applications like Gravity Sketch where one can truly sketch in 3D?
Looking at all the options we have today, even tools like sketching tablets and Photoshop already start to feel like 'old school' technology.
Why should we still invest in training sketching skills on paper?
I have some thoughts on this topic that I will be sharing soon in a new blog post here, but before I do, I would love to hear your thoughts! Please share them in the comments below.
Thanks!
Martijn
Rein Have
I always feel a bit “left behind”, when new technology or better “new uses of existing technology” is introduced to “democratise” knowledge and skills, that used to be the domain of specialists or artists.
Specifically focused on Sketching for Design, Artificial Intelligence and advanced sketching techniques give the impression that the development of talent (the ability to create “the new and beautiful”) by training and learning isn’t necessary anymore.
ChatGPT i.e. can create a piece of text, you would never be able to create on your own. But the last part of this sentence also explains why.
You haven’t got the ability to create this text. Lack of knowledge or time or some other handicap being the probable course.
For me a piece of paper will always be the starting point, although an old fashioned tablet is a good second best.
You only need a pencil to do your research. Let the process find its unique path through your brain.
I mentioned “Visual Thinking” in an earlier post. Artificial Intelligence can’t beat that and the rest (you mentioned “Gravity Sketch”) is just old school in new clothes.
It makes me wonder, how artists like Banksy or Damien Hirst would use A.I.
Will they ever need it?
Rein
Martijn van de Wiel
Well said Rein! I think it's simply impossible to "democratise" skills. Implementing new tools can make you more efficient and faster, but not necessarily more proficient. You cannot buy a skill.
Replacing or outsourcing the act of sketching to AI tools will give you lots of images very fast, but will it give you the same insights? I doubt that, because "visual thinking" as you mentioned, is a hands-on process. Remove the "hand" and you have a different process.
Typing and adjusting prompts on a keyboard does not submerge you in a design challenge the way sketching does. In sketching we also develop our mental model of the subject which, in my experience, always leads to surprising new insights.
I know I don't have to tell you, but I am interested in hearing your thoughts on this!
Philip van Veelen
I am excited about VR. I enjoy using it, and it makes it much easier to design with proper sizes and proportions in 3D. Although Gravity Sketch is changing its pricing, I am still super happy with being able to use it. For doodling, reviewing and just playing around, it's amazing to be able to use your whole body, and it's still the only reason to get a VR set for me.
I was initially very excited about AI, but I have become less interested over time. When designing a product, no distinct features, likes, panel gaps, or graphics usually show up; mostly, it is more like visual noise made to look like a high-quality illustration.
During my industrial product design bachelor's, I remember being taught how key lines can align, point towards points of interest, converge, etc., to create a harmonious design. Usually, a simple sketch can give strong ideas, but not understanding these principles leads to design without clear intent, making the design hard to understand and unable to leave a lasting impression.
For being stuck AI might give some ideas, but my experience mostly has been: type a list of words, wait, type, wait, type, wait. I think there are more.. inspiring ways of finding inspiration. To me, it sucks the life and joy out of the process, and I certainly did not choose ID because of the fantastic salary.
For things such as backgrounds, a starting point for going from sketch to rendering in Vizcom, and creating that image you felt was missing in your mood board, I really do find it handy sometimes. It can convey moods, scenes, and characters quite well.
But if I have to read: 'Adapt or die bro' one more time.....
Martijn van de Wiel
I recall that you were the first to tell me about AI assisted sketching! I don't think I fully understood the examples that you showed me back then and wasn't really impressed yet. That changed rapidly in the months to follow when the AI became more powerful over night and everyone started experimenting with the possibilities including myself.
However, just like with you (and probably many others) the initial excitement has faded for me and I have not done much with it lately. I had the same non-creative experience of typing-waiting-selecting-typing-waiting-adjusting prompts, etc.