The Democratization of Visual Vibes and the Dawn of a New Era in AI

The Democratization of Visual Vibes and the Dawn of a New Era in AI

Introduction:
In 2013, Unsplash revolutionized the world of photography by democratizing access to high-quality images, eroding the function of costly status signals. Similarly, with the emergence of DALL·E 2 and other AI image generators, the democratization of visual vibes is imminent. This article explores the impact of these advancements and the evolving nature of aesthetics in corporate design. Additionally, it delves into the early days of AI, highlighting the transformative capabilities and the four waves of AI that are shaping the technological landscape.

The Costly Signal in Visual Aesthetics:
Visual aesthetics in corporate design serve the purpose of sending a "costly signal" to prospective partners, indicating the company's ability to thrive. Cheap-looking designs often convey a lack of resources and taste. On the other hand, premium materials like illustrations and intricate 3D renderings signal that the company has ample resources at its disposal. This costly signal is more potent than grid alignment or typographic hierarchy, evoking a sense of confidence in potential partners.

The Evolution of Visual Vibes:
Interestingly, what evokes a positive response today may feel outdated in the future. The websites that once made design enthusiasts drool now appear lackluster. This phenomenon, known as a "vibe shift," highlights the necessity for continuous improvement to maintain a high level of performance. In the Red Queen's Race analogy, companies must keep pace with evolving aesthetics to stay ahead.

The Role of Interactivity in Aesthetics:
While AI has made significant strides in various fields, there are currently no AIs capable of creating interactive visualizations. This limitation suggests that human skill will always play a pivotal role in pushing the boundaries of aesthetics. AI tools should be viewed as instruments that can be played skillfully, rather than replacements for human creativity. Human+AI collaboration is likely to outperform AI alone in status games, where relative performance is crucial.

The Dawn of a New Era in AI:
Contrary to popular belief, the recent advancements in AI, such as LLMs, Transformers, and diffusion models, mark a new era rather than a continuum with past capabilities. This step function in new capabilities and products represents a discontinuity from traditional AI approaches. While AI has gained mainstream recognition, we are still far from reaching peak AI usage or peak AI hype. The journey has just begun.

The Four Waves of AI: To comprehend the early days of AI, it is essential to consider the four waves that are shaping the landscape. Wave 1 introduced GenAI native companies, including ChatGPT and other groundbreaking launches that have gained significant traction. Wave 2, the current wave, features early adopters and fast mid-market incumbents building upon GPT-3.5/4. The forthcoming Wave 3 will witness the foundation of new startups exploring natural language in different verticals and incorporating voice and video formats. Finally, Wave 4, expected around 2024/2025, will witness the first major enterprise adopters releasing tangible AI-powered products.