Re:Create Q&A with Monika Lärnros

How do you use AI in your work?

It all started shortly after the pandemic, grounded in a curious exploration of what I as a designer could achieve using generative AI. I was curious about how precisely I could visualize my ideas without compromising with my creativity. How controllable was the final result? 

To be honest, it was a bit hit-or-miss at first, but I quickly learned to use AI as a sparring partner. Technology evolves rapidly, and maintaining an agile mindset has been essential for me, as last week's tool might no longer be the best choice for a similar task this week. 

Now I use AI for research, idea visualization, styling concepts, reverse prompting to articulate or code an idea, building agents, and testing silhouettes and color choices. I also apply it to perform analytics, optimize material choices, and streamline administrative processes. This frees up valuable time for exploration and creativity.

Why do you use AI?

As a designer, I work to identify and visualize trends that do not yet exist, often dealing with long lead times from an idea's inception to its production and delivery to the platform where it meets the customer. 

Being able to accelerate the design process by efficiently and controllably "visualizing" my concepts using AI has been like rocket fuel for the system. It is now a naturally integrated partner across many stages of my creative workflow.

What is working well?

Always starting with a playful and curious approach. I am the designer, I know the creative process, and AI is simply one of my production tools. With this mindset, I use AI as just one of many tools on the palette. 

There is no doubt that professional expertise, creativity, edge, intention, original thinking, ethics, and empathy remain essential to generate an authentic result. I see no threat or opposition between human creativity and AI. The creator's role will be more important than ever in the future.

What is challenging?

Conducting the initial needs analysis and building a bridge between creativity and tech. To use AI optimally, one must realize that AI is not the solution to everything, but a fantastic tool when applied correctly within the process. The key is identifying where to start, pinpointing exactly where AI serves a purpose and adds genuine value. We must foster an environment where tools and workflows complement each other and where AI usage directly addresses real operational challenges.

What is your advice to industry colleagues regarding the application of AI? 

Nurture your curiosity and encourage leadership to define a clear direction and focus, ideally with passion so they become true ambassadors for the rest of the organization. Dedicate time to continuous AI upskilling. 

I also strongly encourage teams to dare to experiment and ask themselves: "What can we stop doing to free up time for new value creation?"

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