Part 2: Lessons from Past Digital Revolutions
Before speculating about AI’s future, let’s reflect on the past.
As an industrial designer, I witnessed another “revolution” in the 1990s: the dawn of desktop publishing. Tools like Letraset transfers and pen-and-paper drafting were replaced by computers, with fears that graphic designers would soon become obsolete.
I remember a client questioning my rates, saying his nephew could do the same job on CorelDRAW for $100. I encouraged him to try—and he did. But when the file failed at the printing stage, he came back to me to redo the project. That experience taught me an important lesson: tools alone don’t replace expertise.
The same happened with advancements in CAD/CAM. My manual drafting background enhanced my skills in tools like AutoCAD and SolidWorks, helping me visualize and create with greater precision. Today, 3D software and printers allow me to push boundaries, but the foundation I built with traditional tools still plays a vital role.
The real revolution isn’t about replacing people—it’s about empowering skilled professionals to achieve more.
(With a little help from AI, I polished my thoughts on AI itself!)
So that's all for now, part III coming soon