KEY LEARNING

Diving deeply into Generative AI, my understanding of this technology has undergone a notable transformation. Initially, I was concerned that AI might dampen my creativity, but I quickly discovered that it actually enhances it, serving as a catalyst for new ideas. Surprisingly, when I used ChatGPT to generate ideas for prototypes, its responses often aligned with my own thoughts. This alignment was both validating and frustrating, as I had expected more surprising insights. Nevertheless, it boosted my confidence in my own creativity and understanding of the field.

As I considered my audience for a prototype, I focused specifically on K-5 children. Through studying Generative AI's potential applications, I identified several key "must-haves" to make this technology suitable for young users: 

1. Data Security and Privacy: Protecting children’s data is paramount. Their information should remain private, with usage limited strictly to educational contexts and technological improvement. 

2. Kid-Safe Environment: The AI's language and imagery must be appropriate for young audiences. For example, Midjourney’s realistic and sometimes graphic images make it unsuitable for children; I want a platform that maintains a friendly, non-threatening environment. 

3. Inclusivity, Accessibility, and Representation: Multi-language support, equal representation across gender and race, and accessibility features for children with disabilities are essential. In designing a prototype, such as smart glasses for kids, I envision inclusivity so that children with various needs, like those who are visually or hearing impaired, can benefit equally. 

4. Creativity Enhancement: I don’t want this technology to simply solve problems for children. Instead, it should inspire exploration, encouraging them to ask thoughtful questions and think critically.

5. Physical and Mental Health: Ensuring balanced usage is vital; features like time limits or reminders to take breaks could prevent dependency. I want this technology to promote physical activity and social interaction, rather than isolating children. 

Beyond these points, I also recognize broader ethical issues, including copyright concerns, potential impacts on education jobs, the need to reduce AI "hallucinations," and the risk of deep fakes. The environmental costs of e-waste, as well as the time and financial costs associated with AI, also require consideration. This hands-on experience with generative AI tools has made me far more comfortable using platforms like ChatGPT and Claude. Midjourney, in particular, has boosted my confidence in translating creative ideas into visual form, though I recognize that tools like ChatGPT and Claude are less versatile in generating high-fidelity typography designs. I’ve learned that prompt engineering plays a crucial role in generating meaningful AI output. ChatGPT and image tools like DALL-E 2 can streamline creative processes by producing specific images that would otherwise require extensive searching or manual creation. 

Looking ahead, I plan to further explore generative AI tools tailored for UX/UI design and integrate these insights into my work. My goal is to refine my prompt engineering skills, learning how to better train AI through feedback for improved outcomes over time. Although I may not regularly use tools like Midjourney or Runway right now, I’m interested in applying these technologies to future design work, including creating embedded modals or simple chatbots for more interactive experiences.