Branding with AI as a Partner, Not a Rival - Why Clients Still Crave the Human Touch
Since AI has been making waves recently, it’s no secret that one of the predominant fields of work that has felt threatened are designers. You’ve probably seen those videos where AI creates logos faster than you can say “Helvetica” or whips up graphic illustrations in a matter of minutes. It’s enough to make any designer question their job security, and leave clients wondering what the point of hiring one is. Well we’re here to tell you that designers aren’t going extinct anytime soon, and why clients should still understand the benefits of hiring them. In this post, we’ll show you the light at the end of the tunnel and explain why taking a little more human (and a little less robot) approach is still the way to go. Let’s dive into the benefits of using AI as an ally instead of an enemy, and reinforce our role’s importance in a world full of new.
There is such a world that exists where hand-drawn sketches and real-world inspiration collides with the power of AI to create designs that are unique and full of endless possibilities. AI can be used like a toolbox full of magic wands that allows us to work faster and more efficiently - so how about us designers tap into the AI wizardry to evolve and become better at our craft, and in return, clients receive designs infused with that oh-so-important human touch.
Here are some of the ways designers can utilize AI as a tool to help them evolve and become better at their craft:
Time-saving: One of the biggest benefits of using AI in design is the time it can save. AI algorithms can automate repetitive tasks such as resizing images, aligning objects, and converting bitmap images to vector graphics. This not only saves time, but also reduces the risk of human error….and keeps us from throwing our mouse at the screen after spending hours on something to only have our computer crash.
Improved accuracy: AI algorithms are designed to be precise and accurate, making them an ideal tool for designers. They can help designers achieve greater precision in their work by automatically aligning objects, converting bitmap images to vector graphics, and performing other tasks that require a high degree of accuracy. A perfectionist’s best friend.
Enhanced creativity: AI tools can also be used to generate new design ideas and suggest alternative approaches. This can provide designers with fresh perspectives and inspiration, helping them to create designs that are more innovative and unique. Be careful with AI inspiration, and use it sparingly, but it never hurts to have something to help with conceptualizing and suggesting different approaches in a time of creative block.
Increased efficiency: AI algorithms can also help designers optimize their workflow by automating time-consuming processes, such as color correction, cropping, and resizing. This not only saves time, but also ensures that designs are consistent and of high quality. At Westward Studio, we even tend to use AI for tasks that aren’t design related (such as invoicing, automating tasks within the team, etc.) to save time and increase efficiency so we have more time to design and create.
Cost-effectiveness: AI tools can also help designers save money by reducing the cost of certain programs and other costly expenses.
Improved accessibility: Another great advantage of AI is that it can make design tools more accessible to people with disabilities or limited technical skills. By simplifying the design process, AI algorithms can enable people to create high-quality designs with a few clicks - and help explain to us alternatives to be more accessible.
Enhanced collaboration: AI tools can also facilitate collaboration between designers, clients, and stakeholders by providing real-time feedback and facilitating communication. This not only makes the design process more efficient, but also ensures that everyone is on the same page and that the final design meets everyone's expectations.
Improved scalability: AI algorithms are designed to handle large amounts of data, making it easier for designers to manage complex projects and ensure consistent quality across multiple designs. This not only saves time, but also ensures that designs are of high quality and consistent across all projects.
Advanced analytics: Finally, AI can provide designers with data-driven insights into customer preferences and behavior, enabling them to make informed design decisions and create designs that are more effective and engaging.
Humans & AI in Perfect Harmony
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Humans & AI in Perfect Harmony 〰️
Here are some AI tools that graphic designers can use to enhance their workflow and create impactful designs:
HueMint
Huemint uses machine learning to generate colors for graphic design based on how each color will be used in the final design.
FontJoy
Fontjoy is a simple web tool that leverages machine learning in order to help you select the perfect font combination.
Magician
Magician is a Figma plugin that lets you design everything from copywriting to unique icons and images based on what you type in.Let's Enhance
Let's Enhance is a simple image enhancement tool to increase image resolution without losing quality and colors.
Accessibly
Accessibly helps you comply with ADA and WCAG, ensuring your website is easy to use for everybody by generating AI content, color and navigation alternatives that can be applied by visitors instantly.
Photoshop AI
Photoshop AI can help designers make mockups of real-life looking products using their designs to show clients polished and real-life examples of their product.
Chat GPT
Chat GPT can be very helpful when you need quick questions answered, copywriting made to be more concise and fluid, or act as an encyclopedia when doing initial research for your designs.
Unleashing the Design duo: Humans & AI - Why the Human Touch Simply Can’t be Replicated
Originality
At the end of the day, AI might be able to generate designs, but let’s face it - it’s suck in a loop of recycling existing concepts. This means that no matter how sophisticated the algorithm, AI simply can’t conjure up something entirely original. Some might argue that our brains work the same way (constantly gathering information and then spitting it back out based on our surroundings), but the difference is that have the remarkable capability to infuse subtle nuances, context, and soul into our designs, bringing a unique touch of meaningfulness and creativity.
Soft Skills
One thing that us designers don’t talk about a lot…but end up getting pretty damn good at…is nailing those soft skills. It’s nothing against you, clients, but the truth is…you seem to never know what you want! Or at least, you often struggle to articulate it. It’s not your fault, it’s just not your expertise to know the ins and outs of design jargon or precisely describe the vibe you’re after. But fear not, because that’s where we shine! As humans, we excel at taking a human-centered approach, listening, and deciphering your desires even when they’re hidden in between the lines. We don’t just regurgitate your words like a computer; we understand, interpret, and offer expert opinions that transform your idea into something fruitful and thought-provoking. We forge connections, see your brand’s potential and bring out the best in you - even when you can’t quite see it for yourself!
The Human Touch
The elusive human touch…it’s something that simply can’t be replicated. Just like an essay written entirely by AI might lack a certain cadence and personality, AI-designed logos can churn out those cringe-worthy early 2000s graphic choices (hello Comic Sans, Papyrus, and blinding color combinations). AI just falls short when it comes to crafting an entire brand concept that’s emotionally attuned, conceptually creative, engaging with the right audience (who are humans…by the way), and seamlessly translating it into real-world designs. There is a certain spark of creativity, intuition, and a knack for understanding what the client really wants that a computer just can’t do. I’ll even take this a step further and let AI try to explain why the human touch is irreplaceable in design (hopefully the bots don’t come after me in the future for this 😉). Next is the AI approach to the paragraph you just read:
“Artificial intelligence has made strides in graphic design, but it still falls short in replicating the human touch. AI algorithms can generate designs and mimic styles, but they lack the intangible qualities that human designers bring. Creativity, intuition, and understanding client needs are all part of the human touch. Graphic design is an art form that requires a deep understanding of psychology, culture, and aesthetics. Human designers excel in these areas, bringing originality and personalized approaches that AI struggles to emulate. The human touch goes beyond visuals, creating connections and evoking emotions. While AI may streamline aspects of design, the human creativity and touch remain irreplaceable.”
See the difference? While I admittedly feel a little jealous that my paragraph wasn’t as concise and beautifully said as that one…you can feel how all of the personality has been sucked out of the paragraph. Now read that again in a robotic voice. Yikes 😊
In conclusion, AI is a powerful tool for designers, but it is not meant to replace people. Instead, designers should consider incorporating AI into their workflow to save time, increase efficiency, create designs that are more innovative and effective and take their design skills to the next level. There should be no hope lost that graphic designers are going anywhere - because we aren’t! We’re just learning to work faster, use the tools that are at our fingertips, and increase efficiency in design (and on the business side of things - which ultimately gives us more time for designing). Clients should feel safe in the hands of the humans, and know that no matter what - hiring is always going to be the best choice of the two!
Thanks for reading 😊
