Generative AI & Tangible Products: Human-AI Design of 3D-printed Lamps

New generative AI systems can make beautiful pictures, but can they help produce functional products? This graduation project investigated the potential for generative AI to aid the design of functional, 3D-printed lamps. Two studies were conducted to assess the degree to which AI can measurably improve design outputs. An AI-based software system was developed to help designers explore the possibilities of lamp design. Output images from this system were used as inputs to generate 3D models, in an example of human-AI collaboration, then 3D models were then printed using four different 3D printing technologies. Altogether, this work showcases the potential for AI to translate human imagination into physical products. Despite meaningful challenges in the process of 3D printing and 2D to 3D conversions, AI advancements signal a promising future for the design industry—and a need for new approaches to design education.Design for Interactio