(SCF 2024) Keynote 4: AI in Industrial Design

Abstract: AI has the potential to revolutionize the Industrial Design Discipline yet we struggle to separate the hype from reality. Professor Roger Ball reviews the brief history of AI tools available to designers today and speculate where they may take us in the future. We review the new AI visualization tools like DALLE and Midjourney and discuss the impact of large language models like ChatGPT and their role in shaping the teaching of Industrial design.

About the Speaker:
Roger Ball has been designing iconic sports products since 1983, for his clients; Burton Snowboards, Bauer, Fisher Price, Cooper Canada, Itech Sports, Brine Lacrosse, Bell Helmets and Nike.
His book "DesignDirect - how to start up your own micro brand" examines the opportunities for designers to create their own personal brand. DesignDirect is available as an ebook in English and simplified Chinese on Amazon.
His 3D anthropometric research project www.SizeChina.com created the first digital database of Chinese head and face shapes, driving revolutionary developments in "China Fit" products. His research clients include Luxottica, Microsoft, 3M, Cartier, Neurosky and cirque du soleil. His company www.chinafit.design is the first publicly available commercial Design Database for head and face shapes. The CAD friendly scans integrate seamlessly with Design and Engineering workflows.
His teaching focuses on designing body fit products. His projects in "wearables" transcend the current definitions of smart products to push the boundaries of what objects we wear on the outside and sometimes on the inside of the human body. The Scan & Print method of designing for the human body breaks new ground of what is possible using 3D Scan technology, CAD software and additive manufacturing.