Is Technology Creative Enough ?

A designer's thoughts on the role of technology in the creative fields.

The encroachment of technology into our lives has been steadily growing over the past decade. What started as a Nokia handset has now turned into an all-pervading web of networking, automation and connectivity. It seems hardly noticeable, but we live more than half our lives on platforms created by technology, whether it be communication and emails, entertainment, everyday-tasks or high-precision processes. As the future of humanity leans on technology more than ever, it leaves us wondering about its repercussions.

Lee Hornsby, Lead Development and Partnerships Manager of Creative UK spoke about technology becoming an integral aspect of the creative industry during his seminar. This led to a discussion about whether technology, especially AI, is a boon or a bane to creative individuals. While this matter is hardly black and white, some general pros and cons that come to mind can be listed.

Technology has broadened the horizon of creative possibilities. Back in the day, power looms and embroidery machines mechanized art forms like weaving and hand embroidery, thereby cutting costs and improving speed of manufacture. More recently, the Adobe Creative Suite, Pattern Cutting software like Lectra and digital rendering platforms like CLO 3D have revolutionized the way designers and artists work in the creative industry. Cutting-edge technologies like 3D Printing and Augmented Reality are introducing new ways of interacting with products.

On the other hand, automation technology replacing skilled humans is a very real threat. Many communities that thrived on business from heritage crafts have suffered due to the availability of technology that produces cheaper alternatives with smaller lead times. Certain AI platforms are able to generate art with the click of a button, thereby raising questions about the need for designers and artists. Then there is the world of NFT's and cryptocurrency, bringing with it the dilemma of digital art.

Personally, I fall somewhere in the middle of the spectrum with respect to how I feel about technology impacting art and design. While design software provide a wide variety of functionality, I believe that they are gradually leading to designers losing touch with hand-skills. One way to overcome this issue is by being mindful about one's work ethic, by choosing what what works best with our personal beliefs and goals in mind. That said, I am a firm and passionate believer in the progress of art and design through innovation and forward-thinking. There are many exciting milestones to be reached in the zeitgeist of fashion-tech, and as an engineer turned fashion designer, I am expectant of a decade of ground-breaking creations where technology complements art and design.