The AI Design Awards is an international competition dedicated to recognizing exceptional work from AI designers and student AI designers, serving as a platform to celebrate creativity and innovation in the field of AI-driven design. This year's award has been claimed by an unexpected yet inspiring candidate: Berry, an MA Intercultural Studies student who has brilliantly bridged the worlds of cultural understanding and artificial intelligence.
Berry's award-winning project serves as a testament to the power of interdisciplinary thinking, demonstrating how insights from cultural studies can profoundly reshape approaches to AI design.
In conversation with her, Berry reveals her AI design as not merely a work of technological prowess, but an exploration of human experiences, cultural nuances, and the complex ways we interact with technology.
"I entered the competition because I already had the work ready," Berry explains. "This project was originally part of my Unit 1 assignment for my MA Intercultural Practices course. Since I had used AI to create the story for that assignment, I thought it would be perfect for this competition."
"It was a fascinating process because I've always loved CSM. I see it as an exceptional space for creation and storytelling. The atmosphere resonates with me. I'm passionate about storytelling, and in my MA Intercultural Studies program, we're challenged to create compelling narratives using various mediums. This has led me to engage with diverse articles and materials, and I've learned a lot throughout the process. It's been very inspiring."
"I'm primarily a filmmaker and director with a passion for storytelling," Berry shares. "I wanted to enhance my critical thinking and narrative skills, which is why I chose to study Intercultural Practices. These two elements; storytelling and critical thinking are fundamental to enhancing our creative abilities."
She continues, "I've come to recognize that storytelling is at the core of my work. In today's world, I believe it's important to tell stories that engage with social issues. That's why this course is important—it compels you to engage deeply and think critically."
"For this project, we were encouraged to explore cities and spaces, viewing them as living entities to better understand their structure and meaning," Berry explains. "I noticed how boundaries, shopping malls, and escalators shape the way we move and interact within our cities—we often use these elements without conscious awareness. These observations fascinated me, so I used these elements as metaphors to create an illusionary city."
"My award-winning work was created entirely by me. However, I’d love to take this opportunity to thank Marsha Bradfield, Course leader MA Intercultural Practices, for her inspiring teaching in storytelling and my MA Intercultural Practices amazing cohorts for their positive feedback and encouragement throughout the class. Their support has truly shaped and uplifted my creative journey."
"The use of AI is certainly controversial," Berry acknowledges. "But I find it to be a fascinating concept. I began learning about AI last year, and for me personally, AI is simply another medium. The human element remains at the core of storytelling. What truly matters is how we use technology to communicate ideas and emotions. I'm excited about blending AI with meaningful storytelling."
"I'm still learning and evolving," Berry reflects. "I want to continue exploring, perhaps discovering new ways to incorporate AI into storytelling, and to create more artwork and video projects in the future."
Through her innovative approach, Berry demonstrates how the intersection of cultural studies and artificial intelligence can create new pathways for creative expression.
Her success at the AI Design Awards highlights CSM's commitment to fostering interdisciplinary excellence and pushing the boundaries of design thinking in the digital age. Berry showcases her work on instagram @artifexberry