Revolutionising Design Through AI: Key Insights from Amber Krishan’s Masterclass at ATLAS ISDI

ATLAS SkillTech University is committed to preparing students for the rapidly evolving professional landscape through experiential and industry-integrated learning. As part of this endeavor, the ATLAS ISDI – School of Design and Innovation hosted a masterclass by Mr. Amber Krishan, Visionary and Founder of Them Consulting. The session, titled “Revolutionising Design Through AI,” was an integral part of our Creative Catalyst Series, designed to connect students with leading industry practitioners.

AI’s Transformative Impact on Design

Mr. Krishan began by addressing the increasingly significant role of AI in the design industry. While AI tools have become invaluable for streamlining processes and generating insights, he underscored the irreplaceable value of human creativity and strategic thinking. He emphasised that while AI can assist with tasks, the complexity of human experience remains central to effective design.

“Design isn’t a mathematical equation”

Drawing from his extensive experience, Mr. Krishan shared practical examples of AI’s application in design, from enhancing user experiences to optimising brand strategies. However, he urged caution, advising students to approach AI as a tool to support human-centered design rather than a replacement for foundational design principles. He reinforced the importance of aligning technology with user needs.

“Experience strategy first, apply AI later”

Addressing AI’s Ethical Challenges

A critical focus of the masterclass was the ethical implications of integrating AI into design processes. Mr. Krishan highlighted the risks of AI bias and hallucination—issues that could lead to discriminatory outcomes, particularly in sensitive areas such as HR and customer service. He urged designers to prioritise ethical considerations when implementing AI-driven solutions.

“We can’t build products based on discriminatory data or biased AI design practices,”

Using a thought-provoking cartoon, Mr. Krishan illustrated how “AI” has become a buzzword capable of unlocking corporate budgets, raising important questions about the authenticity and accountability of AI-driven initiatives.

The Unique Value of Human Intelligence

One of the session’s standout moments was Mr. Krishan’s exploration of the unique capabilities of human intelligence in the design process. Referencing the film ‘HER‘ and Ray Kurzweil’s ‘The Age of Spiritual Machines,‘ he discussed the evolving role of AI, from a tool to an emotional companion. Despite these advancements, he emphasised that humans remain the ultimate Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), possessing the ability to synthesise multiple forms of intelligence in ways machines cannot replicate.

This perspective was reinforced through the story of Geoffrey Hinton, the AI pioneer who left Google due to concerns about AI’s risks to humanity. Such reflections provided students with a nuanced understanding of the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead in the field of design.

The Evolving Talent Landscape in Design

Mr. Krishan also addressed the changing dynamics of the design talent pool. He noted the increasing demand for skilled UX professionals and the growing complexity of UI roles. For aspiring designers, he emphasised the importance of mastering human-centred design principles as a foundation for leveraging AI effectively. He highlighted the strategic dimension of design that often extends beyond surface-level aesthetics.

“We’re not here to make users happy – we’re here to create behaviours that drive meaningful business outcomes,”

Shaping the Next Generation of Designers

The masterclass concluded with a powerful message about the future of design. Mr. Krishan encouraged students to embrace adaptability, critical thinking and ethical responsibility as they navigate the evolving landscape of AI-driven design.

Mr. Krishnan’s insights resonated deeply with ATLAS ISDI’s Gen Z designers, who are naturally equipped to adapt to technological advancements while maintaining a focus on human-centric innovation. As AI continues to redefine the possibilities in design, the conversation about balancing technological innovation with ethical and strategic considerations remains critical.