AOD initiates progressive discourse on AI’s assistive role in creativity for Sri Lankan designers
Artificial Intelligence can’t replace creative humans; but, it can boost their efficiency and streamline work processes At the forum ‘AI as an ally, not a foe,’ organized by AOD, a series of expert panellists delved into the multifaceted role of AI in various sectors, including education, design, marketing, and the creative industry “AI will always be around, but it will only be considered to be great if it is used by people who are great,” said Chevaan Wickremasinghe - Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Apollo Digital to AOD students, highlighting how AI is a tool to in the emerging industry that capitalises upon creativity and innovation
When it comes to creativity and innovation, artificial intelligence (AI) emerges not as a foe, but as a trusted and efficient ally. This paradigm shift emphasises the symbiotic relationship between humans and AI, where each complements the other’s strengths to achieve greater creative heights. As the transformative potential of generative design and ethical considerations in AI implementation come to light, the impact of artificial intelligence across various fields such as education, design, marketing, and the creative industry emerge as riveting topics of our times.
Without following the popular narrative of viewing AI as a threat to human ingenuity, AOD gathered experts who advocate for a harmonious collaboration between humans and machines to enhance creativity and productivity for an illuminating forum centred around the theme “AI as an Ally, Not a Foe.” Co-hosted by AOD and CIT (Colombo Innovation Tower), this forum was a timely exploration into the realm of human creativity and technological innovation. It emphasised the symbiotic relationship between humans and AI, where each complements the other’s strengths to achieve greater creative heights, and attracted a diverse array of industry professionals, educators, and students, sought to redefine the relationship between humans and machines, positioning AI as a valuable assistant rather than a competitor. With a lineup of esteemed panellists and insightful discussions, the forum shed light on the potential of human-machine collaboration to augment
creativity and productivity in various fields.
The panel comprised esteemed professionals from diverse backgrounds, including Dr. Sagara Sumathipala, Senior Data Scientist; Jaygo Bloom, Programme Leader at LASALLE College of the Arts; Chevaan Wickremasinghe - Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Apollo Digital; and Kanishka Wijayasekara, Researcher
and AI/Robotics Enthusiast. The forum was moderated by journalist, writer and educator, Rihaab Mowlana. The panellists brought a wealth of expertise and diverse perspectives to the discussion, enriching the dialogue with their unique insights. The forum fostered an open exchange of ideas and experiences, encouraging attendees to consider the possibilities of humanmachine collaboration. Dr. Sagara Sumathipala underscored the importance of inspiring students to embrace AI creatively in education, while also addressing ethical considerations in AI research; he also discussed AI’s impact on natural language processing, particularly in translation accuracy and social media analysis. Jaygo Bloom offered insights into how AI can push boundaries in design and create immersive experiences, emphasizing the need for thoughtful implementation. Kanishka Wijayasekara delved into the partnership between humans and AI within the tech realm and stressed the imperative to view AI as a complementary tool rather than a substitute.