DS Seminar AI and Generative Design Systems

The Design Society is proud to announce the "DS Seminar: AI and Generative Design Systems," an academic and professional deep dive into the most transformative technology of our era. As Artificial Intelligence moves from a novelty to a core component of the design workflow, understanding its limitations and potential is paramount. This seminar provides a rigorous framework for evaluating AI tools in the context of complex engineering systems.

The seminar is structured around three core pillars: Algorithm Transparency, Collaborative Co-creation, and Scalable Implementation. We begin with a technical walkthrough of generative algorithms, explaining how machine learning models can explore thousands of design iterations in a fraction of the time a human designer could. However, the focus remains firmly on the "Augmented Designer"—the idea that AI is a tool to enhance human creativity, not replace it.

Experts from The Design Society’s "Design Methods" group will present recent case studies where AI-driven generative design was used to optimize aerospace components for weight and strength. These real-world examples provide a bridge between theoretical math and tangible outcomes. The mid-session "Tech Demo" allows participants to interact with the latest generative software, providing a sandbox environment to test the theories discussed earlier in the day.

A significant portion of the afternoon is dedicated to a "Roundtable on Design Ethics." As AI begins to make design decisions, who holds the liability for failure? How do we ensure diversity in the data sets that train these models? These critical questions will be debated by a panel of ethicists, engineers, and legal experts. This seminar is designed for those who want to be at the forefront of the digital transformation in design, providing the knowledge and the network to lead AI initiatives within their own organizations. It is an unmissable event for forward-thinking professionals in the heart of Glasgow's innovation district.