Design Fundamentals as an Adaptive Strategy in Facing AI Dominance

Authors

  • Raihan Effendi Visual Communication Design, School of Creative Industries, Telkom University Purwokerto
  • Anggo Ahmad Saputra Visual Communication Design, School of Creative Industries, Telkom University Purwokerto

Keywords:

artificial intellegence, fundamentals, concept art, design

Abstract

Demonstrate that design fundamentals will always have a crucial role in the study and development of visual communication design amidst the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the practice of visual communication design. This research utilizes a conceptual qualitative combined with comparative visual analysis, fundamental design principles, and studies on the role and limitations of AI in the creative process. The analysis is conducted by comparing the work processes of generative AI and the design processes carried out by human designers, particularly in the aspects of understanding context, determining communication goals, visual decision-making, and forming meaning. The discussion shows that although AI is capable of producing visuals quickly and efficiently, this technology works based on datasets and lacks the empathy, intuition, and contextual awareness that are at the core of design fundamentals. Furthermore, many still believe that AI advancements have the potential to replace designers, but these views tend to place design solely on visual outcomes, rather than on the thinking process and problem-solving. This study concludes that mastering design fundamentals is the key for designers to remain relevant in the AI ​​era, as these fundamentals serve as a framework for thinking that guides the use of AI critically and responsibly, not as a substitute for the role of the designer himself.

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Published

2026-08-30

How to Cite

Effendi, R., & Saputra, A. A. (2026). Design Fundamentals as an Adaptive Strategy in Facing AI Dominance. International Journal of Visual Communication and Design, 1(1), 72–84. Retrieved from https://journal.uimandiri.ac.id/index.php/ijvcd/article/view/181

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 1 (2026): August

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Raihan Effendi; Anggo Ahmad Saputra

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