2D design
During the 2D Design module, we participated in a design competition organized by Graphic Matters. The assignment was to create a poster about AI. Defining our own statement was part of the assignment, then we had to then develop it using a medium of our choice, such as illustration, photography, spatial design, or AI. The final result had to be a distinctive design that clearly and visually communicates the message.
Context
Idea exploration
The process started with making sketches. The statement I initially wanted to explore was: AI is harmful to nature. My first concepts included an industrial shredder into which trees were fed, producing AI-generated waste, and a robotic lawn mower leaving a trail of destruction behind.
I eventually continued with the robotic lawn mower idea and developed it in Photoshop. The mower symbolized AI, while the trail of dead grass represented energy consumption.
Because I realized this direction was not effective, I abandoned the concept and adjusted my standpoint from “AI is harmful to nature” to “we insufficiently reflect on the amount of energy AI consumes.”
I wanted to connect this idea to a proverb or expression, such as “we sweep the energy costs of AI under the rug.”
Concept
The final image shows a hand lifting a carpet, underneath which a pile of solar panels and wind turbines is being hidden. The ring on the hand features the OpenAI logo, symbolizing AI users
Visual design
Learning outcomes
During this module, I learned to understand and apply the basic principles of Lightroom and Photoshop. In addition, I gained insight into formulating a strong statement and learned how to avoid common pitfalls that can lead to a less effective message.