Design Sparks

Design Sparks is a web application that leverages AI to help solve creative problems, developed by The National Centre for Creativity enabled by AI (CebAI). It helps users generate design ideas using established methods combined with AI.

Users can provide design problems or concepts to the app via text input, links, or PDF uploads. The AI responds by generating 'sparks,' which are design suggestions that users can save and review later.

Users can refine their idea generation by selecting specific extracted topics, asking the AI for more ideas related to a spark, or modifying topic settings to examine rare, common, or random themes.

Circular design will be crucial for sustainable economies. Design Sparks aids creative thinking to develop ideas focused on waste and pollution prevention and on creating products that are durable, reusable, repairable and recyclable.

A new set of AI prompts tailored for circular design ideas was introduced at the Design for Planet Festival 2023, created in partnership with experts from the Design Council and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

To use this feature, go to theme settings in Design Sparks, choose the circular design option, and save your changes.

The app allows users to select a creative problem-solving approach for generating sparks. Design Sparks stands out from chatbots like ChatGPT with its interactive prompts, curated insights, and knowledge components.

The web application aims to boost workforce creativity and improve productivity, competitiveness, and critical thinking. It received funding from Research England, with contributions of £7.6m from City, University of London, and over 20 industry partners.

The project aims to be financially independent through licensing and consultancy after the grant ends in 2024. Design Sparks is a useful tool for service, product, and UX/UI designers, along with other stakeholders, to explore ideas and consider new angles.