Employing AI-Based Tools to Support Exhibition Design: A Science and Technology Museum Case Study

This paper investigates the potential role of AI (Artificial Intelligence) technology in the design of future-oriented interdisciplinary exhibitions for science and technology museums. With AI leading technological advancements in the field, this paper explores how AI can not only be the subject of exhibitions but also support the design of exhibits. Drawing on applied design experience from an ongoing science museum project in China, central questions for designers and researchers working with AI-based techniques is whether and how such tools can support original design outcomes: Are ideas developed by designers before using AI tools or in the process of AI generation? Can skilled use of AI allow designers to set aside more time for creative ideas, thus enhancing their productivity? We describe in detail the process of exhibition design from the perspective of the exhibit designer, and focus on the dynamics of AI-supported design processes, where schemes are quickly iterated until suitable results are produced for final selection. Finally, we discuss how we have employed the potentials and addressed challenges introduced by creative AI use in our work.