Mar 24, 2023

March 24, 2023 In the world of the ever-evolving metaverse and Web3 technology, artificial intelligence (AI)currently one of the most talked about and one of the most puzzling forms of technology doing the rounds. The innovation has ushered in a new, albeit ambiguous formula for creation in the digital age. What exactly is AI? Artificial intelligence (AI) is the combination of computer science and data alongside machine learning, developing algorithms that can create a system of predictions or analysis based on input data. Machines used within this technology mimic the human mind and can learn and improve over time to adapt their processes. In the field of art and design, AI has been applied in such a way that it is possible to create a constant stream of content. Still, the actual process of producing AI images involves a lot of trial and error. When entering such a platform, the creator is asked to provide a clue, which can be as general or as specific as he wants. As the machine begins to learn and understand what is being asked, the images produced get closer and closer to the desired output. The slightest adjustment to the job can change the images, and the more research is done, the more detailed the final product. Music, art, fashion design and other creative fields are now subject to AI technology, in an industry that is evolving rapidly as interest grows. Experts in this field are also currently exploring whether AI can be creative without human intervention as they try to understand the depth of communication between humans and machines. The subject of AI came to the fore in particular late last year when technologies such as ChatGPT, Lensa AI and Midjourney emerged and sparked a debate about the use of AI in creation. While some argue that the technology can be seen as a form of copying and may raise a range of other ethical issues, including encouraging mass production, others see it as a new form of creative outlet, providing designers and artists with accessible tools to develop their creations. Field Skjellerup, AI-produced design – @ai_clothingdaily. Beeld: Field Skellerup A similar discussion recently came to light in the NFT space, after artist Mason Rothschild was sued by Hermès. The luxury brand accused him of stealing his designs to create digital assets that earned him more than a million dollars in sales. Finally a jury ruled in favor of the French luxury brand, finding that Rothschild had indeed profited from its name.The statement creates set a precedent in the eyes of experts for how similar issues between technology and fashion might be handled in the future, and draws parallels with the ongoing AI discourse. But, as technology advances, can such advancements actually benefit the industry? AI as a collaborative approach to design For creatives, AI has opened a door for those looking for a new way to enter the industry, with a range of online tools, both free and paid, that allow almost anyone to access the technology. Such products have been widely adopted by both the public and a new generation of artists and designers, redefining what it means to be a maker today. Field Skjellerup, the AI ​​artist behind the Instagram account @ai_clothingdaily, does exactly what the title of the profile says – creating everyday AI clothes. His designs are so realistic that the page’s comments are filled with people asking how to order the pieces. The looks range from AI reworks of Nike footwear, complete with heavy embellishments and intricate embroidery, to full runway outfits worn by equally artificial models. This is not Skjellerup’s first step into the fashion world, by the way. The creator also operates the Luckynumber8 research platform and marketplace, where vintage and archival clothing is collected and often sold. This ties in closely with his AI work, for which he is inspired by previous runway collections by designers and by materials with which he likes to experiment. Speaking to FashionUnited, he says of the process: “Working with AI in this way is a very collaborative approach, you have to give an input, wait for the generative view and then react accordingly. Even if I have an initial idea, it can result can be completely different depending on how the AI ​​reacts to it. I really enjoy the sense of mystery surrounding these tools.” Field Skjellerup, AI-produced design – @ai_clothingdaily. Beeld: Field Skellerup In Skjellerup’s view, AI is an important tool for design because he believes that technology does not take away from the artist, but rather enhances his creative potential. He adds: “The ability to quickly generate large groups of images makes the early concept stages very productive and pushes our own ideas beyond what they otherwise could have become. I would like to see AI design tools democratize the design process. roles of the designer and the consumer are blurring. Since fashion is a top down industry, this role blurring can lead to some very exciting possibilities.” Where does the AI ​​optimization falter? Criticism of this format is currently unavoidable as individuals within and outside the industry have their say on what constitutes design. Skjellerup is also well aware of this, but his perception remains resilient. Asked for his thoughts on potential misconceptions on this topic, he says: “I’ve heard people within the industry say this is ‘assisted creativity’, and as these tools become more accessible, we’ll see this become the norm. I’ve got it feeling that people either haven’t tried AI creation tools for themselves and are ready to pass judgment or are afraid of job losses within the industry I think this is a valid concern but we should not forget that any job loss is due to people in positions of power making decisions, not the tools themselves.” This hesitation about AI’s place in design has been increasingly analyzed in recent studies as experts explore the practical applicability of AI in the creative design process. This was a concept that Yoon Kyung Lee, a professor at Pusan ​​National University in Korea, explored for her “Thinking Skills and Creativity” study. To conduct this research, Lee began generating textile designs using AI software and comparing the models to the work of design students. In her results, she found that the designs of both were similar, but there was a distinct uniqueness and originality to be seen in the man-made designs, which often stemmed from the person’s own experiences. Lee does note that using AI in repetitive tasks could improve efficiency, while the process itself could be a good learning tool for those lacking industry expertise. The professor stated that collaboration between humans and AI is therefore effective in some cases, especially in work that involves different disciplines beyond just visual aspects. About her report, Lee says: “In the future, anyone will be able to be a creator or designer using AI models. Until now, only progressive fashion designers have been able to design and present clothes. But in the future, it will be possible for everyone to design the clothes they want and show their creativity.” Field Skjellerup, AI-produced design – @ai_clothingdaily. Beeld: Field Skellerup Personalize the customer journey As Lee deduced, it’s not just clothing design in which AI plays a role. Retailers are increasingly implementing the technology into their e-commerce and online marketing strategies, taking advantage of its ability to improve customer experience and potentially drive more sustainable production processes. It is especially popular among the ongoing e-commerce evolution, often applied to retailers’ websites to provide more accurate product recommendations and collect data to make search and discovery more efficient. There is an increase in companies using such technology to provide retailers with solutions that expand consumer experiences. One of these is Perfect Corp, a technology company that offers AI-powered e-commerce trial experiences that allow consumers to try products from the comfort of their own homes. The feature enables quick analysis that the shopper can then provide tailored product recommendations, efficiently tailoring products to consumer needs and increasing confidence in their purchase. Speaking to FashionUnited, Alice Chang, CEO and founder of Perfect Corp., points out the benefits of such products: “Fashion brands can offer customers a personalized shopping experience that increases customer satisfaction while sending fewer products back. These solutions also enable more sustainable business operations. possible, enabling brands to meet their ESG goals by reducing the amount of waste and emissions generated from product sampling and returns.” According to Chang, the implementation of such technologies is also crucial to remain relevant for today’s shoppers, who increasingly rely on personalized, digital developments to make their purchasing decisions. Adds Chang: “The advancement of AI has accelerated tremendously in recent years, enabling brands to transform their customer journey and improve sales, engagement and customer loyalty. Consumer shopping behaviors are shifting, and this is happening across multiple channels and retail spaces Looking to the future, AI will play a greater role across all industries by enabling consumers to shop in a more personalized, interactive way.” This article was previously published on FashionUnited UK. Translation and editing into Dutch by Caitlyn Terra.