Democratizing Visual Vibes: The Impact of Unsplash and DALL·E 2 on Design

Kazuki

Hatched by Kazuki

Jul 30, 2023

3 min read

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Democratizing Visual Vibes: The Impact of Unsplash and DALL·E 2 on Design

In 2013, Unsplash, a free photography website, revolutionized the world of photography by democratizing access to high-quality images. This move disrupted the traditional notion of photography as a costly status signal. Fast forward to the present, and we now have DALL·E 2, an AI image generator that has the potential to democratize various visual styles, including illustrations and 3D renderings. Just as Unsplash changed the game for photography, DALL·E 2 is set to do the same for other visual mediums.

The concept of a "costly" signal plays a crucial role in visual aesthetics in corporate design. A premium material, such as an illustration or intricate 3D rendering, sends a signal that the company behind it has ample resources to spare. This signal, more than alignment or typography, has the power to captivate and convince prospective partners to engage with the company. However, what evokes excitement today may feel outdated in the future, as trends and preferences shift over time.

To stay ahead and maintain the same level of performance, continuous improvement is vital. This idea aligns with the concept of the Red Queen's Race, which emphasizes the need to constantly improve just to stay in the same place. In this race, the leading edge of aesthetics is likely to involve human skill, even as the methods to channel that skill change dramatically. While AI tools can enhance and augment human capabilities, they are unlikely to replace the need for human involvement in the creative process.

When it comes to status games, relative performance is what matters. The combination of human and AI is likely to outperform AI alone for the foreseeable future. Just as individuals under the age of 35 are considered "internet native," the younger generation will be "AI native," growing up with a deep understanding and familiarity with AI technologies.

Shifting our focus to product management, it is important to clarify what it is not. Product management is not about defining the business case or market requirements. Markets don't have requirements; people do. It is essential for product managers to directly engage with the people who will be using the product to truly understand their needs and desires.

Similarly, product management should not be mistaken for requirements gathering or project management. While these roles may overlap at times, the nature of each requires a distinct set of skills and mindset. Not everyone excels at both discovery (product management) and delivery (project management). Recognizing and appreciating the differences between the two is crucial for effective product management.

Furthermore, product management is not product marketing. It is not solely focused on pricing, promotions, positioning, messaging, or product launch activities. Instead, the product manager's responsibility lies in discovering a product that is useful, usable, and feasible. If the product manager can fulfill this objective, they have successfully accomplished their role. If not, investing time and money into building and launching the product becomes futile.

In conclusion, the democratization of visual vibes through platforms like Unsplash and AI image generators like DALL·E 2 is reshaping the design landscape. Understanding the power of costly signals and the need for continuous improvement is essential to stay relevant in the ever-changing world of aesthetics. Combining human skill with AI tools can create powerful outcomes, especially in the realm of status games. Additionally, clarifying the role of product management and dispelling misconceptions is crucial for effective product development and success. Embracing the possibilities brought forth by democratization and technological advancements will pave the way for innovative and impactful creations.

Actionable Advice:

  • 1. Embrace the democratization of visual mediums and leverage platforms like Unsplash and AI image generators to enhance your design aesthetics.
  • 2. Continuously improve and adapt to stay ahead in the Red Queen's Race. Emphasize the combination of human creativity and AI tools to create visually captivating outcomes.
  • 3. Clarify the role of product management within your organization and ensure that product managers are focused on discovery, understanding user needs, and delivering useful, usable, and feasible products.

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