AI Integration in Design: A Survey of Industry Practices and Ethical Concerns [Infographic]

A recent survey by Santa Cruz Software paints a fascinating picture of the design industry’s relationship with artificial intelligence (AI).

The AI Advantage

A whopping 98% of U.S.-based graphic designers surveyed have seen AI reshape their workflows. 91% of them even reported a positive return on investment (ROI) from adopting AI tools. Creative directors (72%) view AI as a creative collaborator, enhancing human ingenuity rather than replacing it.
To stay ahead of the curve, 93% of designers have invested in AI training. AI tools are now commonplace, with designers using them for:

• Image and video generation (67%)
• Content creation (51%)
• AI-powered design software (45%)
• Ethical Dilemmas

While AI offers immense potential, ethical concerns loom large. While 65% of designers believe AI is ethical, 24% disagree. Key concerns include:

• Copyright (55%)
• Originality (46%)
• Bias (34%)
• Privacy (41%)

To address these issues, most designers (81%) are restricted to employer-approved AI tools, reflecting a growing industry-wide commitment to ethical AI practices.

Human Touch, AI Power

Designers primarily rely on AI for specific tasks like:

• Idea generation (74%)
• Client communication (51%)
• Repetitive tasks (43%)

However, 68% still prefer human oversight for final design decisions, highlighting the need for a balanced approach that leverages AI’s strengths while preserving human creativity and judgment.