In the realm of higher education, where the dynamics of teaching and learning constantly evolve, a new frontier emerges: Visual Artificial Intelligence (Visual-Ai). It is a computer science discipline that trains machines to interpret images and visual data based on keyword input. It uses computer vision and a deep learning algorithm to create a system that makes a neural network mimicking the human brain and identifying different attributes within an image. Examples of these are Dall-E, Adobe Firefly, Picsart and many more. This innovative fusion of human intellect and artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the pedagogical landscape, offering educators and students alike an unparalleled tool for exploration and understanding in terms of visuals and design. By integrating Visual-Ai into the educational process, particularly in the early stages of ideation and brainstorming of a visual-based design project, educators can facilitate students in a symbiotic relationship between human ingenuity and technological innovation, paving the way for enhanced academic outcomes.

Visual-Ai has shown great potential as a creative tool for precedence studies or case studies in the ideation stage of a creative design process and projects. It is achieved by analysing large amounts of visual data and generating new designs based on students’ input and prompts. Visual-Ai can assist them in developing innovative and effective designs. It allows students to critique the Visual Ai findings, rather than passively taking the inputs. After analysing the A.I results, students then proceed to manually produce and create their design based on their interpretation and use their skill sets for the final design proposal. Visual-Ai can contribute to time efficiency in the ideation and conceptual design stage by analysing existing designs, brainstorming sessions, and other creative works to inspire and generate novel ideas. This application of Visual-Ai is particularly relevant in light of the increasing importance of personalisation in design, as it enables designers to tailor their creations to individual users or audiences.  

Traditionally, students and educators relied heavily on their faculties of reasoning and manual exploration to generate ideas and hypotheses. While this approach has its merits, it often limits the scope of inquiry and discovery, constrained by individual biases and preconceptions. By identifying areas where Visual-Ai can be most effective and exploring its potential and limitations. This symbiotic method will provide insights into how Visual-Ai can be used responsibly and ethically to enhance the initial stage of the creative design process. It identifies areas where Visual-Ai is most effective, such as in analysing large datasets of images and identifying patterns and trends, and also the potential limitations of using Visual-Ai in the creative design process. It may provide insights into how Visual-Ai can be used in a symbiotic manner with human creativity rather than as a replacement for it.

In conclusion, Visual-Ai represents a paradigm shift in the realm of higher education, offering educators and students a powerful tool for collaboration and exploration. By embracing Visual-Ai at the university level, educators can foster a symbiotic relationship between human insight and technological innovation, ultimately enhancing the teaching and learning experience for all. As we continue to explore the myriad possibilities of Visual-Ai in education, one thing remains clear: the fusion of human intellect and technological advancement holds the key to unlocking the full potential of higher learning. 

Arief Afandi
School of Arts
Email: [email protected]