DRS 2020 — The Robot Ate My Homework
Assoc. Prof Mark Roxburgh and Dr. Benjamin Matthews are teaming up to look into the impacts of automation on the future of work in the design profession, with an initial focus on the context of visual communication design.
This research will offer insights to both industry and educational institutions, and we seek to answer the central question:
“what does visual communication design look like in ten years time, and how do we shape formal tertiary education in Newcastle and Australia to deal with that scenario?”
Beyond this, we also ask the larger question:
“how do these insights relate to design schools in general?”
As part of this project, the authors are hosting a panel at the Design Research Society annual conference, held online this year due to COVID-19.
AI and machine learning are driving rapid advances in visual communication design practice.
Our recent review of extant literature on the topic — supplied to participants prior to the session — reveals a scarcity of material, suggesting the design industry and design education are ill prepared for a seismic shift in work practices. Participants of this panel will be asked to respond to the following questions:
- How well prepared is the design profession for AI and automation?
- What kind of design work is vulnerable to automation and machine learning?
- What kind of skills will designers need to work with AI and automation?
- What should curriculum look like to ensure graduates won’t be replaced by machines?
- Does current curriculum address questions 3 and 4 and if so how?
Methods such as thematic mapping, diagramming, sketchnoting, drawing and written responses will be used as conversational vehicles. Artefacts generated will later be crafted into an integrated designed document. All participants will be listed as co-authors (convenors as lead authors). Participants will gain an understanding of and contribute to the preparedness of design education and the design industry for the impact of AI and automation.
