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Syllabus⇝

The course offers designers and makers a comprehensive introduction to the field of generative artificial intelligence (AI). The program focuses on empowering participants with the knowledge and skills required to extract mainstream AIs (such as GPT or DALL-E) into external interfaces.

Course Contents:

  • Showcase of Salient Projects: The instructors will showcase their most salient and relevant projects that demonstrate the creative possibilities of generative AI for designers and makers.

  • Introduction to Generative AI: Participants will gain a clear understanding of the concept of generative AI, its principles, and its applications. They will learn about algorithms, models, and techniques used in generative AI.

  • Exploring OpenAI: Students will be introduced to OpenAI, a powerful platform for developing AI-based applications. They will learn how to access and utilize OpenAI tools to leverage generative AI for their own projects.

  • Web-Based Application Development: The course will provide hands-on training in developing a small application using generative AI algorithms. Participants will learn how to create a web-based application that connects to OpenAI and generates unique designs based on user inputs.

  • Design Considerations and Ethics: The course will also address the ethical considerations associated with generative AI. Participants will learn about responsible AI usage, ethical design principles, and the importance of considering privacy and bias while utilizing generative AI for their projects.

By the end of this short course, participants will have developed a solid foundation in generative AI and gained practical experience in creating their own web-based application utilizing OpenAI. They will be equipped to explore the endless possibilities of generative AI in their future design and making endeavors.

Keywords: Generative Artificial Intelligence, AI-Driven Web Applications, Rapid Prototyping

Learning Objectives⇝

  • Gain a clear understanding of the concept of generative AI, its principles, and its applications.
  • Learn about algorithms, models, and techniques used in generative AI.
  • Develop practical skills in utilizing OpenAI tools for generative AI projects.
  • Acquire hands-on experience in developing a web-based application using generative AI algorithms.
  • Understand the ethical considerations and responsible usage of generative AI.
  • Develop a solid foundation in generative AI for future design and making endeavors.

Methodological Strategies⇝

  • Introductory lectures to build an understanding of the problem space
  • Group project execution phase to apply learnings on a chosen topic
  • Academic understanding
  • Hands-on/ tactile experience
  • Learning by application
  • Collaborative project execution
  • Iterative Design, Design Thinking

Schedule⇝

  • Introduction, who we are. Pietro, Chris + DOTTOD
  • Projects showcase
  • Introduction to the class assignment
  • Group making and hardware setup (helping students to get started)
  • The evolution of LLMs and diffusion models
  • Understanding how to query LLMs
  • Introduction to the anatomy of a web app and to API calls
  • Follow-up support for the class assignment
  • Project Execution in Group Work
  • Students presentation

Deliverables⇝

A fully functional web demo, linking multimodal inputs and outputs with generative AI, based on a strong conceptual foundation. 15-minute presentations of the latter, demonstration of the former. Course documentation on the students’ blogs summarizing project outcome and personal reflection.

Grading Method⇝

Percentage Description
20% Participation
30% Prototype and Conceptual Quality
30% Presentation
20% Reflection

European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS)

2 ECTS

Additional Resources⇝

Faculty⇝

Christian Ernst

Christian Ernst

AI Expert

Christian Ernst is a creative technologist with a background in UX design. After finishing degrees at Berlin University of Applied Sciences (HTW), he studied the Master of Design for Emergent Futures at the Institute of Advanced Architecture of Catalonia and subsequently at ELISAVA Barcelona. Through his speculative practice he approaches technology critically and question it through different lenses. Projects are ranging from technological investigation into AI to speculative furniture design and multimedia installations. His works and live in Barcelona.

Pietro Rustici

Pietro Rustici

AI Expert

Pietro Rustici is a computer scientist with a background in robotics and design. After finishing degrees at Delft University of Technology (TU), he studied the Master of Design for Emergent Futures at the Institute of Advanced Architecture of Catalonia and subsequently at ELISAVA Barcelona. Through the speculative practice his approach technology critically and question it through different lenses. Projects are ranging from technological investigation into AI to speculative furniture design and multimedia installations. He works and live in Barcelona.