Directions for AI-based Tools to support Designers’ Work Process

Background As artificial intelligence (AI)-related technologies such as big data, graphics processing unit (GPU), and deep learning have developed and the design work environment has changed, research on the use of AI tools is being actively attempted in the design field. In the existing directions of research and development of AI tools, the relationship between the actual work performed at each stage of the design process and the work support area of the AI tool has not been sufficiently investigated. This study aims to suggest the directions of work support for AI tools that can effectively and efficiently support work in the design process. Methods Through a literature review, we investigated trends in utilizing AI in the design field and research trends in AI-based design support tools. We also analyzed the trends of adopting AI tools for design work by selecting some of the existing AI design support tools. Through in-depth interviews with designers, their needs for work assistance were identified. Through in-depth interviews with AI experts, we explored possibilities of using AI tools in design work. In addition, we proposed directions for work support of AI tools that can help designers’ work effectively. Results The results of in-depth interviews showed that designers mostly needed the assistance of others when planning for project directions and making decisions based on objective judgment. Currently, AI tools are mainly used in the process of generating design ideas, and creating prototypes through design development. The planning and decision-making work stages of AI tools are rarely involved. Conclusions This study proposes the directions of AI tools that assist design tasks more effectively and efficiently by reflecting the current status of AI design tools and the requirements of support tools for designers. First, designers need AI support tools that assist design planning works by collecting and analyzing data suitable for project purposes and provide objective data necessary for decision-making tasks. Second, it is necessary to systematically help the idea generation and convergence process by reflecting the planning intention. Third, AI tools as a system are needed to manage design tasks integrally and organically according to the project purpose. This study is expected to be more practical in performing design tasks by proposing the direction of use of AI tools from the perspective of designers' needs.