The Power of Design and Convergence of AI

This book aims to illustrate the value of design in a systematic and scientific manner to reap the full benefits of design. The authors aim to address the challenges in the quantification and evaluation of the value of design. It will also help readers understand how impactful design can support the future of innovation and a sustainable future life when coupled with the power of artificial intelligence (AI). The sharing of knowledge from subject matter experts from institutes of higher learning and industry brings content rigor and real-life scenarios which enhance the readers’ learning.

A key topic of discussion is design and AI, which showcases current technological advances that inspire readers to think creatively and explore new frontiers in cutting-edge design. Design can play a significant role in urbanism, food resiliency, urban robotics, consumer durables, productivity and efficiency enhancement, human-centric design for technology, ethics, physical and digital spaces, etc. In the area of consumer durables, design that prioritizes durability and longevity is integral to fostering a sustainable lifestyle. Human-centric design technology ensures that solutions are designed to meet the needs, behaviors, and preferences of individuals, thereby driving user engagement, adoption, and sustained use of sustainable technologies. Both physical and digital spaces are integral to shaping a sustainable future. Thoughtful urban planning, sustainable architecture, and the responsible use of digital technologies ensure that environments are designed to enhance quality of life, reduce environmental impact, and promote a more equitable and resilient society.

This book will be of interest to industry professionals in the fields of urbanism, sustainability, design, and AI. It also serves as a good reference for students in architecture, engineering, and AI programs that study the intersection of technology and design.

Tai Lee Siang is Deputy President/Chief Innovation and Enterprise Officer, Director of DesignZ (the next-generation design centre set up to further reinforce design at the Singapore University of Technology and Design – SUTD), Programme Director of Design and Artificial Intelligence, and the Cheng Tsang Man Chair Professor at SUTD. He champions the innovation and enterprise initiatives at SUTD, with a focus on Design AI. He has practiced as an architect and urban planner since 1990. He was also the elected Chairman of the World Green Building Council between 2016 to 2018.

Ong Eng Hong is Program Director of design research at DesignZ. He was formerly the chair of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Information Storage and Processing Systems Division, and prior to joining SUTD in 2013, he was a Senior Scientist and Division Manager with a national research laboratory under the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). Together with his adjunct associate professorship with the Mechanical Engineering Department of the National University of Singapore before joining SUTD, he has more than 20 years of experience in research and development and tertiary teaching.