From Handcrafting to “Braincrafting”: The Future of Human Creativity Through AI

BRAINCRAFTING WITH AI – CRAFT THE TOOL, THAT CRAFTS THE OUTPUT.

Remember When Photoshop Was Provocative?

Twenty-five years ago, Photoshop was seen as stripping the soul from photography and design sketching. Turning back the clock another 150 years, photography was seen as taking the soul away from painting. We’ve learned that human creativity continually finds new ways to express itself. We are at a similar transition point now with AI integrating into the design process.

BRAINCRAFTING 101

Just as handcrafted goods are valued in our digital lives, the human touch remains crucial in an AI-empowered future. At Designworks, we call our AI approach “Braincrafting.” Working with AI has enhanced our sense of collaboration and creativity.

Here are some lessons we’ve learned through integrating AI in our design process:

SUPERCHARGING OUR PROCESS

AI acts as a duet partner, complementing designers and creating greater results together. Instead of being limited by producing one sketch at a time, designers now have an abundance and lushness of possibilities. Inspiration per second is the new metric of output, allowing one to mix and match concepts, try the unexpected. A Designer has a newfound sense of freedom to explore questions they would be hesitant to without AI. AI is the supercharger of “what if” and reduces ego and defensiveness, focusing on achieving the best possible outcome. While timelines aren’t necessarily shorter, the final output is better within the same constraints.

FROM PASSIVELY FISHING FOR INSPIRATION — TO DREAMING OUT LOUD

AI makes us more actively inspired and unique. Traditional methods of gathering visual inspiration have led to overlap and passive scrolling. AI shifts us from passive ‘fishing’ online on places like Pinterest or Behance, to ‘dreaming out loud,’ actively engaging with concepts and refining them. This results in clearer visions and unique visuals.

AI IS NOT ONE-CLICK

Using AI is not a one-click process. Just as traditional art tools allow for endless expression, AI tools are flexible platforms for creativity. Designers blend multiple images and techniques, creating outputs where the lines between AI and human input blur. This is Braincrafting, elevating human vision to new heights.

Authored By

Article: Martin Francisco, Associate Director, Creative Consulting, LA Studio

Images: Jiawei Xu, AI Designer, LA Studio

For Media Inquiries, email Holly Palmer, Communications Lead, LA Studio