Gail Thaiboonruang

This project examines designers’ attitudes toward Generative AI (GenAI) and how concerns about the technology influence their adoption decisions. The study aims to identify the factors that drive designers to adopt GenAI despite potential risks. Through qualitative methods, including online surveys and in-depth interviews, the research finds that designers are primarily motivated by GenAI’s practical benefits rather than their attitudes toward the technology itself. While acknowledging the ethical and practical concerns associated with GenAI, designers adopt a pragmatic approach, emphasizing responsible and ethical use. Strategies to mitigate potential harms include maintaining self-awareness, minimizing reliance on GenAI, and using AI-generated outputs to complement rather than replace their creative process. The findings highlight the need for ongoing education and awareness to ensure responsible GenAI use. As the technology evolves, addressing these concerns is essential for the sustainable and ethical integration of GenAI in the creative industries, fostering innovation while managing risks.

This project also presents the research’s practice-based output: an online exhibition showcasing the study’s insights. The exhibition explores how designers’ attitudes toward GenAI influence their acceptance and adoption decisions, addressing how designers perceive the concerns raised by current GenAI development discourses and how they maximize its benefits. It seeks to broaden perspectives on GenAI for both designers and the general public by presenting specific designers’ views.