Fostering creativity in engineering design through constructive dialogues with generative artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is progressively reshaping the way that researchers design and study highly complex systems. In this perspective, we introduce an engineering design methodology aimed at fostering creativity through “constructive dialogues with a generative AI” and exemplify its potential through a set of methodically developed case studies. This creativity promotion approach starts with computer-aided design (CAD) models of lattices, metamaterials, and architected materials, which are provided as initial inputs to a generative AI through a chat. Then, the conversation starts with researchers asking the generative AI to modify the provided CAD model images by incorporating new elements, placing them in quasi-real-life environments, or adapting the provided designs to the structures of new products. To illustrate the methodology, a varied set of selected case studies of constructive dialogues leading to highly innovative designs are provided, bridging the gap between tissue engineering scaffolds and building architectures, biohybrid materials and product design, and innovative structures and medical devices, to cite a few.