The design industry’s fixation on aesthetics has AI calling foul.
Sterlin L Mosley, a designer and academic, is sounding the alarm on the design industry’s obsession with aesthetics. With AI generating increasingly sophisticated designs, Mosley argues that the focus on taste, empathy, and human characteristics is misplaced.
The notion that AI lacks ‘good taste’ is a myth perpetuated by the design industry, according to Mosley. ‘Empathy and the ability to develop aesthetic taste seem to be the last truly human characteristics,’ Mosley says.
The problem, Mosley claims, is that the industry is prioritizing style over substance. ‘Strategy and coherence’ are often compromised in favor of a design that simply looks good. This approach neglects the underlying structure and logic that should drive design decisions.
The AI-generated design conundrum
AI has made tremendous strides in generating competent and technically clean designs. However, Mosley argues that this fluency is not a guarantee of good design. ‘AI systems can generate hundreds of variations, but they lack the nuance and context to create something truly effective.’
What this means
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Designers need to shift their focus from aesthetics to strategy and coherence. By prioritizing the underlying logic and structure of a design, they can create something that truly works, rather than simply looking good.
Designing for impact, not just aesthetics
Mosley advocates for a more holistic approach to design, one that considers the broader context and goals of a project. ‘Good design is not just about creating something that looks good, but about creating something that has a lasting impact.’
By prioritizing strategy and coherence, designers can create something truly effective, regardless of whether it’s generated by AI or not.
