BMW has been actively discussing its design philosophy, expressing its skepticism towards companies adopting an electric vehicle (EV)-specific design language. The automaker has also promised that its future designs will embrace a cleaner aesthetic. The introduction of the new 5 Series / i5 duo serves as evidence of BMW's commitment to these claims. However, the company is now looking to push the boundaries further by exploring the integration of artificial intelligence into their design process.
According to van Hooydonk, AI has already been utilized in various design tasks, including wheel design. He explains, "We are experimenting with it in design, for instance in wheel design. You can set a few parameters – like, you want a five-spoke wheel, it should only weigh this much, it should be a 20-inch rim – and then the computer begins to generate ideas for you."
The concept of AI-generated design ideas may seem both exciting and daunting. While computer-generated ideas can be beneficial, it is crucial to establish clear boundaries from the outset. Fortunately, BMW has no intention of relinquishing full control of the design process to AI. Van Hooydonk emphasizes the importance of human guidance, stating, "Still, as a person, as a human being, you need to be the art director. You need to pick. You still have to guide the process – it's not like the computer can completely invent things, but it can combine various parameters into a proposal much quicker than a human being."
Despite the potential of AI in design, relying solely on it for complete car designs is not currently feasible. The technology leverages existing images and sketches available online and combines them in different ways to generate new designs. While this may sound intriguing, van Hooydonk notes that the result often feels familiar, as if it has been seen before.
It is important to recognize that BMW's experimentation with AI in design is still in its early stages. The company is harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to generate design proposals and accelerate the ideation process. However, human creativity and judgment remain indispensable for shaping the final outcome.
Source: Top Gear