Kelsi Opat, Ph.D.

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is here to stay, but where does that leave our future graphic designers?

I attended two conferences this summer – one industry-based and one geared more toward academics – hoping to answer this question. Leaders of agricultural publications, commodity groups, and communications at the first conference agreed that new graduates need a firm understanding of AI, but could not put into words what skills (hard or soft) would be beneficial. Educators and researchers at the second conference spoke repeated the importance of teaching AI literacy, as well as some environmental concerns, but no one seemed to have practical advice for introducing AI into the classroom effectively and/or ethically. The following lesson is my first step toward teaching AI literacy in my graphic design class for agricultural communications majors.

This would ideally be taught in two 50-minute class periods.

Class Meeting I: Discussion and Reflection

Prior to class, I assigned an article (Artificial Intelligence and Human Expertise in Graphic Design by Vikas Agrawal) describing how AI and human “expertise” can be blended when using AI in graphic design. I suggest choosing a timely article written within the last three to six months.

At the beginning of class, we reviewed the key points of the article and answered students’ questions. Next, I divided the class into six groups. I told students the purpose of the next activity was to think critically about AI’s role in their future careers and to form personal and ethical perspectives on using these tools. Each group was given a giant sticky note and asked to designate a group notetaker and spokesperson.

Each group was given a question for the following. They were asked to consider both sides of the question and brainstorm real-world examples if possible.

• How do you think AI will impact creativity and originality in graphic design?
• In what ways might AI tools affect entry-level jobs and future job security for designers?
• What are some ethical concerns about using AI to create create more “sensitive” design material?
• How should graphic designers position themselves in realtion to AI tools – should they fully embrace them, cautiously use them, or resist relying on them? Why?
• How can designers maintain their unique style or voice while incorporating AI into their workflow?

Groups were given approximately 15 minutes to formulate their answers. They were then given 2-3 minutes (about 15 minutes total) each to present to the class.

After all groups presented, we discussed the following topics as a group.

• How would you explain the value of your graphic design skills to a potential employer?
• How might you ethically integrate or approach AI tools in your work?

Class Meeting 2: Firefly Activity

On the second day, students completed an activity with Adobe Firefly. I led students through a brief Firefly tutorial, explaining the importance of using detailed prompts; demonstrating Content Types, Compositions, and Styles; Generative Fill, and Create a Design. Tutorials for these features can be found on Adobe Learn.

I then instructed students to choose a nursery rhyme of their choice. I challenged them to construct a creative and unexpected illustration using Firefly to accompany the rhyme. I told them to be prepared to upload the illustration and the prompt they used.

Once the illustration was completed, they filled out a quiz using our LMS system. The first question allowed them to upload their illustration. They then answered the following essay/reflection questions.

• What was the prompt you used to generate your image?
• Summarize your experience using Adobe Firefly in 2-3 sentences.
• What went well during your experience using Adobe Firefly?
• What would you do differently next time using Adobe Firefly to improve your experience or final image?
• Would you use Adobe Firefly in the future? Why or why not? If yes, give 2-3 examples of how you might use this program in the future.
• What were your feelings toward AI-generated images before using Adobe Firefly? How did these feelings change, if at all, after using the program?
• What are the ethical considerations graphic designers face when using Adobe Firefly?

Summary

Students created some very elaborate and interesting designs, which they likely could not have otherwise created, especially in such a short time. Many noted that you still have to bring a creative idea to Firefly with several details to get a creative result. You also need to be familiar with the program to see the desired end result; it cannot – contrary to popular belief – read one’s mind.

The biggest takeaway I hope my students have is that they should be familiar with AI tools, however, their creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills make them valuable designers, whether they are creating custom logos with Illustrator or collaborating with Firefly or another generative AI program.

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