OH

system of office hangers created using Ai as an ideation tool


design research
product design

How does the use of AI as an ideation tool impact the ideation process itself, and how can this impact be optimized to maximize creativity and innovation?


Can AI-assisted ideation help overcome common creative blocks and biases that designers may face, and how can these benefits be maximized?



AI empowers industrial designers to transcend the boundaries of their craft, unlocking new realms of creativity and innovation. It is not a competitor, but a trusted tool that expands the horizon of what is possible.


(ChatGPT for the prompt “How can the industrial designers use Ai as a tool but i in a form of a famous quote”)


OH is a system of hangers intended to be used at the office entrance. It was made with the idea of declustering the classical way of jacket storing - wall-hung or self-standing racks by giving each user their personal “space” for storing both jacket or a coat and other items such as bags, scarves, umbrellas, and hats.

Another fact about OH is that its ideation process was done by using artificial intelligence but only as a tool. The objective of my project was to stress the fact that the role of product designers will likely evolve to include collaboration with AI systems, interpretation of AI-generated designs, and decision-making regarding the overall design direction. But, they will continue to be valued for their ability to turn ideas and concepts into tangible products, and their ability to use design as a tool to solve complex problems and meet the needs of the market.

Project process


Firstly I utilized the capabilities of Stable Diffusion - a deep learning, text-to-image model as an innovative ideation tool in my creative process, generating multiple prompts and variations related to a simple base object - the "hanger". By leveraging these cutting-edge technologies, I was able to explore different design possibilities, and experiment with various combinations of words and concepts such as "multiple hooks", "wood", "minimalistic", "funky", "bubbly", "round", and "asymmetrical, and refine my designs in an efficient and dynamic manner.
These ideation tools enabled me to expand the creative possibilities of the "hanger" object, pushing the boundaries of design innovation and unlocking new avenues for creative expression.
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After utilizing Stable Diffusion as an ideation tool, the subsequent stages of the project followed a classic designer process. This included the development of the shape of the hanger, prototyping to refine the design, and carefully selecting the right materials to bring the envisioned concept to life.

Prototyping played a crucial role in the design process, allowing me to physically visualize the design and make necessary adjustments. 




The final form of the series of products











Showcasing the project


As my project was carried out as part of my student exchange program at the Köln International School of Design, I had the opportunity to exhibit it at the final exhibition of the winter semester 2022/2023 in the faculty building. This allowed me to showcase my work to the public and engage in discussions with designers from various fields, including students, professors, and other attendees, about the future implications of using artificial intelligence in product design and other design disciplines. It was a valuable experience to exchange ideas and perspectives with professionals in the design field, further fueling my interest in the potential of AI in shaping the future of design












3rd semester of Graduate Studies
Köln International School of Design

mentor: Karen Donndorf

2023




nolabokun@gmail.com