The Three Waves Paradigm: Tracing the Evolution of Artificial Intelligence in Design

This chapter explores the evolving role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in design through the Three Waves Paradigm, tracing its transformation from a task automation tool to a potential creative agent. It examines how AI, particularly generative AI (GenAI), has become a driving force in the creative design process, accelerating workflows, expanding human creative potential, and amplifying the impact of design practices. By analyzing different cases, the chapter illustrates how AI supports designers by automating repetitive tasks, generating design alternatives, and enabling faster iteration, thereby reshaping traditional roles and processes in design. The Three Waves Paradigm captures the evolutionary trajectory of AI’s integration into the creative design process. The first wave, AI as a tool, highlights its role in enhancing efficiency by performing specific tasks, representing a one-way interaction where designers use AI outputs to advance their work. The second wave, AI as a collaborative partner, positions AI as a co-creator, fostering a reciprocal relationship where humans and AI inspire and support each other. The third and most speculative wave, AI as an embodied creative agent, envisions AI as an autonomous entity capable of acting mutually with diverse forms of intelligence to actively participate in the creative process and co-create innovative, inclusive, and sustainable solutions. While emphasizing AI’s transformative potential, the chapter also explores ethical concerns and challenges, such as algorithmic biases, that arise from its adoption in design. These issues underscore the importance of thoughtful and responsible integration, ensuring that AI complements rather than compromises human creativity. Designers are encouraged to rethink their roles and competencies as AI reshape the creative design process, redefining the discipline of design in the context of rapid technological innovation.