Will AI Replace Set and Exhibit Designers?

Develop set designs, based on evaluation of scripts, budgets, research information, and available locations.

text generation — Concepts generated; commercial curation human

Prepare rough drafts and scale working drawings of sets, including floor plans, scenery, and properties to be constructed.

visual inspection — AI aids illustrations; precise technical drawing human

Prepare preliminary renderings of proposed exhibits, including detailed construction, layout, and material specifications, and diagrams relating to aspects such as special effects or lighting.

decision support — Technical requirements drafted; human owns spec

Read scripts to determine location, set, and design requirements.

text generation — Script comprehension and requirement extraction well handled

Submit plans for approval, and adapt plans to serve intended purposes, or to conform to budget or fabrication restrictions.

interpersonal — Client approval requires live persuasion and accountability

Attend rehearsals and production meetings to obtain and share information related to sets.

interpersonal — Ongoing production discussion requires shared human context

Confer with clients and staff to gather information about exhibit space, proposed themes and content, timelines, budgets, materials, or promotion requirements.

interpersonal — Needs elicitation requires human rapport and judgment

Research architectural and stylistic elements appropriate to the time period to be depicted, consulting experts for information, as necessary.

information retrieval — AI gathers references; creative synthesis is human

Observe sets during rehearsals in order to ensure that set elements do not interfere with performance aspects such as cast movement and camera angles.

visual inspection — Set/exhibit inspection requires physical presence

Collaborate with those in charge of lighting and sound so that those production aspects can be coordinated with set designs or exhibit layouts.

interpersonal — Technical detail negotiation is interactive human work

Select set props, such as furniture, pictures, lamps, and rugs.

decision support — Prop selection depends on creative and physical context

Design and build scale models of set designs, or miniature sets used in filming backgrounds or special effects.

text generation — Layout concepts generated; spatial/physical fit human-checked

Examine objects to be included in exhibits to plan where and how to display them.

text generation — Concepts generated; commercial curation human

Assign staff to complete design ideas and prepare sketches, illustrations, and detailed drawings of sets, or graphics and animation.

interpersonal — Coordinating design activities is human-led collaboration

Inspect installed exhibits for conformance to specifications and satisfactory operation of special-effects components.

visual inspection — Set/exhibit inspection requires physical presence

Estimate set- or exhibit-related costs, including materials, construction, and rental of props or locations.

data analysis — Project cost estimation from given parameters

Plan for location-specific issues, such as space limitations, traffic flow patterns, and safety concerns.

decision support — AI aids logistics planning; on-site event execution human

Acquire, or arrange for acquisition of, specimens or graphics required to complete exhibits.

data analysis — Materials inventory records and forecasting automatable

Design and produce displays and materials that can be used to decorate windows, interior displays, or event locations, such as streets and fairgrounds.

text generation — Concepts generated; commercial curation human

Direct and coordinate construction, erection, or decoration activities to ensure that sets or exhibits meet design, budget, and schedule requirements.

decision support — Coordination across trades needs on-site human execution

Coordinate the transportation of sets that are built off-site, and coordinate their setup at the site of use.

decision support — Coordination across trades needs on-site human execution

Confer with conservators to determine how to handle an exhibit's environmental aspects, such as lighting, temperature, and humidity, so that objects will be protected and exhibits will be enhanced.

interpersonal — Technical detail negotiation is interactive human work

Select and purchase lumber and hardware necessary for set construction.

data analysis — Materials inventory records and forecasting automatable

Arrange for outside contractors to construct exhibit structures.

decision support — Coordination across trades needs on-site human execution

Incorporate security systems into exhibit layouts.

situated mobility — Physical security presence in world

Coordinate the removal of sets, props, and exhibits after productions or events are complete.

decision support — Coordination across trades needs on-site human execution

Provide supportive materials for exhibits and displays, such as press kits, advertising, publicity notices, posters, brochures, catalogues, and invitations.

text generation — Promotional content drafted; human runs channels and relationships