Session: DTM-11: Artificial Intelligence and Design 1

Paper Number: 142124

142124 - Inspired by AI? A Novel Generative AI System to Assist Conceptual Automotive Design 

Design inspiration is crucial for establishing the direction of a design as well as evoking feelings and conveying meanings during the conceptual design process. Many practice designers use text-based searches on platforms like Pinterest to gather image ideas, followed by sketching on paper or using digital tools to develop concepts. Emerging generative AI techniques, such as diffusion models, offer a promising avenue to streamline these processes by swiftly generating design concepts based on text and image inspiration inputs, subsequently using the AI generated design concepts as fresh sources of inspiration for further concept development. 
However, applying these generative AI techniques directly within a design context has challenges. Firstly, generative AI tools may exhibit a bias towards particular styles, resulting in lack of diversity on design outputs. Secondly, these tools may struggle to grasp the nuanced meanings of texts or images in a design context. Lastly, the lack of integration with established design processes within design teams can result in fragmented use scenarios.
With these challenges in focus, we conducted workshops, surveys and data augmentation involving teams of experienced automotive designers to investigate their current practices in generating concepts inspired by texts and images, as well as their preferred interaction modes for generative AI systems to support the concept generation workflow. Finally, we developed a novel generative AI system based on diffusion models to assist conceptual automotive design.

Presenting Author: Ye Wang Autodesk Research

Presenting Author Biography: Ye Wang, a Principal Research Scientist at Autodesk Research, specializes in design knowledge transfer, sustainable design, and the application of AI for conceptual design. With over a decade of experience, her technology journey in design and manufacturing began at MIT's graphics lab, where she pioneered the development of a volumetric design tool for 3D printing. Building on this foundation, Ye has contributed to the creation of successful 3D printing design tools and played a key role in one of the earliest cloud-based and version-controlled CAD systems. Prior to joining Autodesk Research, her entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish a company focused on collaboration tools for architecture, engineering, and construction.

Authors:

Ye Wang Autodesk Research
Nicole Damen Autodesk Research
Thomas Gale Autodesk Research
Voho Seo Hyundai Motor Company
Hooman Shayani Autodesk Research