Designing the Future: How Skillbox Designers Use Neural Networks in Their Work

Contents:

• What are neural networks?
• How can they be used in design?
• How Skillbox designers work with neural networks?
• What neural networks are used?
• The future of neural networks in design
• Why should designers study artificial intelligence?

Today, artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly popular. These technologies are penetrating various industries, changing the ways in which we interact with the world around us. And the field of design is no exception.

Skillbox designers are actively integrating neural networks into their work. Let's dive into the world of neurotechnology with them, and figure out what it is and how you can use AI in working with illustrations.

What are neural networks?

Artificial neural networks were created to perform various tasks based on data learning. The concept emerged in the mid-20th century and was first presented in 1943.

AI models work by relying on the connections between neurons in the brain, which transmit signals and process information. During the learning process, the neural network independently adjusts the parameters of its model, optimizing them for a specific task.

Today, neural networks have become a popular tool in various fields due to their ability to learn on large amounts of data and adapt to new situations. And by type, all neural network models are divided into four categories:

• Deep neural networks (DNN).They are used in computer vision systems, speech recognition and other areas.
• Convolutional neural networks (CNN).They are widely used in image processing. For example, to recognize objects in photographs or in a video stream.
• Recurrent neural networks (RNN).They are used to analyze sequential data, such as text or time series. Used in text generation, machine translation, and other applications.
• Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs). Used to generate new data such as images, sounds, or text based on a training dataset.

How neural networks can be used in design

Today, designers use neural networks to automate the processes of creating and processing images, generating unique content and creating visual effects. Neural networks help designers optimize their work, and their use leads to exciting results. But to unlock the full potential of AI, it is necessary to constantly explore this tool and experiment.

— Using neural networks in design can really significantly speed up and improve our work, — shares Daria Kobzar, Lead Designer of Skillbox CIS. — But it is important to remember that these are tools, not a panacea. It is important to know how to properly configure and use them to get a high-quality result.

Today, Skillbox designers, using neural networks:

• Automate routine tasks.AI can automate repetitive processes such as image processing, resizing, color editing, or background removal.
• Create unique visual effects.Designers use AI to create effects such as generating textures, styles, or emotional aspects of images.
• Generate ideas and concepts.Neural networks can analyze existing images and suggest new ideas and concepts based on specified parameters.
• They improve user experience through personalization.Neural networks can be used to analyze user behavior and predict their preferences, which allows for the creation of personalized design solutions.

— Neural networks truly open up new opportunities for us, — says Skillbox designer Yana Masyukovich. —We can save a ton of time, while still getting unique content and visuals that were previously difficult or even impossible to create manually.

How Skillbox designers work with neural networks

Today, neural network models are used in design to solve a virtually unlimited number of problems. Mainly for generating ideas and developing concepts for design projects. Based on input data (a description of the problem or existing samples), the neural network offers different options.

For Skillbox designers, neural networks have become one of the main working tools. The main advantage is that they have helped completely abandon stock photos. Now, the possibilities are limited only by the imagination of the AI, not by the ideas of the photographers or artists who post their creations on stock sites. The neural network helps draw art, logos, covers and create realistic images.

Of course, there are still some errors in the anatomy of people drawn using AI. For example, an excessive number of fingers or unnatural-looking teeth, but with each new version of the model, such errors become less and less.

— Interaction with the neural network occurs in a simple format that is accessible to everyone. We describe the task in text, set the necessary settings, filters and restrictions, and then select a suitable image from the proposed ones. At first, the most difficult thing was probably to correctly compose the prompt*—to describe the task so that the neural network understands what is required of it,— shares Yana Masyukovich. — I didn't have any special training in working with neural networks; it happened intuitively, and wouldn't pose any difficulties even for a beginner. But this doesn't mean anyone can become a designer just by learning how to correctly assign tasks to artificial intelligence. You need to have an understanding of website, page, and advertising design, how they differ, and the rules for each niche. However, neural networks give designers who can't draw at all the opportunity to create. For example, I don’t know how, but with the help of AI I can easily draw anything.

What neural networks do designers work with?

One ​​of the key tools presented in the Skillbox arsenal is MidJourney. This is AI-based software for automatic image generation. MidJourney automatically generates design concepts based on the provided parameters and style preferences.

Among the advantages of this software are the speed of concept creation, the ability to generate a large number of options, and integration with other software. Compared to previous versions, MidJourney has significantly improved the quality of the generated content, increasing the accuracy and originality of the results.

But this is far from the only tool used in the Skillbox design department:

• DeepArt. This tool is used to enhance images using deep learning. DeepArt allows designers to apply various styles and effects to images, making them more attractive and original.
• Neural Filters in Adobe Photoshop.This tool is built into one of the most popular graphics programs. Filters use neural networks to automatically correct images, improve color gamut, and add various visual effects.

The Future of Neural Networks in Design

The role of neural networks in design is becoming increasingly important every day, and the future of this technology promises great changes in the work of illustrators. Analysis of current trends in commercial illustration shows that neural networks are already simplifying many tasks, improving image quality, and helping to quickly create unique content.

— I see great potential in using neural networks. This can help designers save time on routine tasks and focus on more creative aspects of their work, Yana shares. However, it's important to remember that human creativity is essential for creating truly unique and original work. After all, a robot thinks in algorithms, and unlike a human, it doesn't have the concept of "beautiful" or "ugly."

Technology, social media, and changing market demands are influencing the work of illustrators, forcing them to adapt to new demands and seek innovative creative ways.

On the one hand, this may raise concerns about the replacement of human creativity by machines. On the other hand, neural networks can become a useful tool in the hands of illustrators, helping them to realize ideas with even greater creativity and efficiency.

Skillbox designers recognize that the future of neural networks in design promises great opportunities for innovation and creative experimentation. It's important to continue studying and developing this technology so that it benefits illustrators and helps them create even more amazing and impressive work.

— Neural networks can become a cool tool for designers. However, it's important for us to know how to use these technologies correctly and not lose our individuality and creativity. We should use them as assistants, but we must create, inventing and implementing concepts ourselves, says Daria.

Why should designers study artificial intelligence?

Neural networks provide new opportunities, make the designer's work effective, creative and in demand in the market. This will not only help you stand out from the competition, but also significantly expand your creative horizons.

— The integration of neural networks into our work is not only a step forward in technological terms, but also an opportunity to expand our creative capabilities,says Daria Kobzar. — Knowledge of neural networks will set a designer apart from the competition, as it allows them to more quickly create more attractive, innovative, and personalized solutions for clients. This is an important step in the development of our profession, which opens up new horizons and opportunities for us.

The Skillbox design department recommends not to be afraid of neural networks, but rather to experiment, learn, and develop with them. With the help of AI, we can take design to a new level and shape the future of the design profession.

— Researching and integrating neural networks into our work helps not only improve the quality of design, but also make our work faster. A task that used to take a whole day can now be completed in an hour, with the main time taken by choosing a ready-made solution from several proposed ones and making minor adjustments. Knowledge of neural networks gives us an advantage and opens up new opportunities for success in our profession. Therefore, specialists with experience working with AI are becoming more in demand among employers, sums up Yana Masyukovich.