As part of UPH Design Week 2026, students and participants attended a special talk session titled “Design x AI: Interaction”, featuring Linda Lianto, a DKV UPH alumna, and Rafael Benaya, an alumnus of Product Design UPH. Moderated by Kartika Magdalena Suwanto, S.Ds., M.Ds., the discussion explored how artificial intelligence is transforming design practice and reshaping the future of the creative industry.
Exploring the Relationship Between Design and AI
The talk opened with a discussion on the rapid development of technology and its impact on the design profession. Drawing from their professional experiences, Linda and Rafael shared how the industry has evolved over the years, particularly with the emergence of artificial intelligence as a widely accessible tool.
Participants gained valuable insights into how designers have adapted to these changes. In addition, the speakers highlighted the importance of staying curious and continuously learning in an industry that is constantly evolving.
Learning from Industry Experience
A key highlight of the session was Linda’s reflection on her professional journey after graduating from DKV UPH. She shared her experiences entering the creative industry before AI became a common part of everyday workflows and explained how designers gradually adapted as new technologies emerged.
Moreover, Linda emphasized that AI should not be viewed solely as a replacement for creative work. Instead, she described it as a tool that can support ideation, improve efficiency, and help designers focus on higher-level strategic and creative thinking. Her insights encouraged students to approach technological developments with both confidence and critical awareness.
Meanwhile, Rafael complemented the discussion by sharing perspectives from the field of product design. His experiences provided additional context on how emerging technologies continue to influence innovation, user experience, and product development across design disciplines.
Interactive Discussion and Q&A
Following the presentation, participants engaged in an interactive question-and-answer session moderated by Kartika Magdalena Suwanto, S.Ds., M.Ds. The discussion covered a variety of topics, including the future of design careers, the opportunities and challenges presented by AI, and the skills young designers should continue to develop.
Furthermore, students were encouraged to think beyond technical proficiency and consider the importance of creativity, empathy, critical thinking, and human-centered problem solving. These qualities remain essential even as technology becomes increasingly integrated into professional practice.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Linda Lianto and Rafael Benaya for generously sharing their experiences, knowledge, and professional insights. We also thank Kartika Magdalena Suwanto, S.Ds., M.Ds. for moderating the discussion, as well as all participants who contributed to the session. We hope this conversation inspires future designers to embrace emerging technologies while continuing to cultivate creativity, critical thinking, and meaningful human-centered design.