AI as Early Visualizer

Welcome to Part 2 of “AI as a Visual Design Tool for Exhibitions” Week.

Last time, we looked at what AI text-to-image design tools can do well right now, and where they still fall short.

With that in mind, we’ve found visual AI helpful at two stages in the design process.

So far, just two.

This time, let’s talk about the first one: visuals for the early concept phase.

When we begin an exhibition project, we’re not ready to design cases or arrange artifacts yet. First, we do visual research to learn about precedent projects. Books, websites, Google, site visits, sometimes Pinterest.

At the same time, we’re already asking design directions. Will the exhibition feel dark and dramatic? Bright and playful? Industrial? High tech?

Here’s what’s new: text-to-image tools now let us quickly create very rough ideas for specific gallery atmospheres, lighting, environments, media installations, and colors. We can do this earlier and faster than before, and in full color.

But these very early visuals are not anchored in the actual space, content, or budget. They’re hazy dreams, not technical drawings.

As long as we keep those limits in mind, AI can help us start imagining ideas earlier and faster, even if the results are still very vague.

Here’s the thing:

Could we manage without visual AI tools in the early concept phase? Yes.

Do they offer us interesting new options? Yes.

Next time, the second moment when visual AI can now help: rendering.

Warmly,
Jonathan

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MtM Word of the Day:
Technical drawings. Precise, scaled diagrams used to communicate detailed information about exhibition components, structures, or systems. They include plans, elevations, sections, and fabrication specs to guide bidding, production, and installation.