The latest Maison&Objet barometer polled the publication's community regarding their use of artificial intelligence (AI). For some, it has already become a tool for generating text and images. For others, it raises questions and concerns. However, all agree on its indispensable nature.
Application of AI
68% of the distributors, brands, and specifiers who participated in the survey have a clear understanding of artificial intelligence, and 34% already employ it in their operations. Among these, 89% utilise ChatGPT, developed by American company OpenAI, mainly to produce SEO-friendly web content for social media and e-commerce platforms. It also supports customer service functions as a chatbot. Meanwhile, a minority (19%) uses the AI platform Midjourney for generating images and simulating environments, primarily for inspiration, creating mood boards, or drafting layouts.
Challenges in adopting AI
Still, 66% of respondents do not use these tools. The majority cite pragmatic reasons such as 'current lack of necessity' or express resignation with 'I still don't understand how to use it', alongside material obstacles. The significant time investment required to understand the tools' advantages, disadvantages, and potential uses emerges as a major deterrent—'I have little time and haven't yet taken the time to get involved, but perhaps it would save me time!' Additionally, 56% believe that these technologies are too complex or costly for small businesses.
Clear expectations
Expectations are well-defined. The top three areas where respondents seek AI support include targeted marketing, social media analytics, and predictive trend analysis. These are reasonable expectations given the capabilities of these tools, though Vincent Grégoire notes a caveat: 'In terms of business, we receive instant data feedback... But processing all this information remains a task.'
Concerns about dehumanisation
58% of survey participants view AI as a potential replacement for human roles. 'Will AI replace us?' is the foremost concern among students at the IE School of Architecture and Design, as noted by Cristina Mateo Rebollo. This is particularly relevant as platforms capable of generating diverse home interior images before radical changes emerge. A platform's simple offer of a "tropical" interior should reassure professionals of its limits. The associate dean of the Madrid-based school affirms that interior designers are more essential than ever. She concurs with Vincent Gregoire that these tools serve as assistants. 'They enable creatives to prepare work, visualise design stages, prototype rapidly, create mood boards, and stay informed about trends and new developments... We should regard them,' she asserts, 'as "superpowers" that save time and money, enhancing creative expression.' The key is to identify when these tools are applicable, allowing creatives to concentrate on their core contributions: their unique value and the importance of direct interaction when managing certain issues remotely. Rather than diminishing human value, AI could enhance it and deepen interpersonal relationships. These are considerations regardless of one's field of activity.
The Future of AI
AI's impact on the home sector and related professions is gradually defined, and no one dares make definitive forecasts any longer. 'We used to speculate about where things would be in five years. Nowadays, no one dares project that far ahead. The transformations induced by AI over the past two years have been exponential,' says Cristina Mateo Rebollo. She suggests contemplating a question not included in the survey but relevant to all: AI will save us time by automating mundane, repetitive tasks. Will we use this newfound time to work more, or will we allocate it to what truly matters to us and those who need us?
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