Generative AI is rapidly reshaping the design industry, offering new ways to enhance creativity, efficiency, and problem-solving. At Hatch Duo, we’ve embraced AI not as a replacement for human ingenuity but as a collaborative tool that amplifies our design capabilities. Our latest concept project, HELIOS, is a case study in how AI can be seamlessly integrated into the industrial design workflow to create more innovative and impactful solutions.
AI as a Design Partner
HELIOS, a portable power station designed for refugees, represents a shift in how AI can support every phase of the design process. By leveraging AI-powered tools in tandem with human expertise, we streamlined research, concept development, and visualization, accelerating the path from ideation to execution.
1. AI-Driven Research & Insight Gathering
Using ChatGPT, we quickly synthesized crucial information about the challenges refugees face in securing reliable power. This AI-assisted research allowed us to pinpoint key design opportunities—such as improving portability, integrating solar charging, and enhancing durability—without sifting through excessive data manually.
2. AI-Powered Concept Generation
Midjourney and Vizcom played a pivotal role in the early design stages by generating diverse visual concepts based on specific prompts. Instead of starting with a blank slate, our designers used AI-generated imagery as inspiration, iterating on forms that prioritized ergonomics, functionality, and aesthetics. This collaborative process enabled us to explore unconventional design directions at a rapid pace.
3. AI-Enhanced CAD Development
Once the core design direction was established, we used AI-generated insights to refine the final product in SolidWorks. By integrating AI-assisted concept modifications, we optimized:
Retractable solar panels for maximum energy absorption.
Omnidirectional wheels designed for smooth movement across rough terrain.
Ambient lighting to enhance usability in low-light environments.
4. AI-Generated Visualization & Presentation
Bringing a concept to life requires compelling storytelling. With Midjourney and Photoshop AI, we created realistic environmental backdrops that showcased HELIOS in various contexts—from refugee camps to emergency situations. AI-enhanced visualization made it easier for stakeholders to grasp the full impact of the design, bridging the gap between concept and real-world application.
AI as a Catalyst for Smarter Design
HELIOS illustrates how AI can augment industrial design, not by replacing human creativity but by accelerating iteration cycles, reducing inefficiencies, and unlocking new possibilities. At Hatch Duo, we see AI as a collaborator that expands the potential of what we can design, pushing the boundaries of form, function, and user experience.
By integrating AI thoughtfully into our workflow, we can spend more time refining the human-centered aspects of design—ensuring that every product we create is not just innovative, but meaningful.
You can learn more about this and other Hatch Duo projects here:
HELIOS – HOW IS HATCH DUO AI-ENHANCED?
AIDrivenDesign #GenerativeAI #IndustrialDesign #AIInnovation #DesignForImpact
The Hatchery 