Will designers be replaced by robots?

Three friendly robots

During my time as a graphic designer, I've experienced nearly everything – short of physical violence – that working life can throw at you: recessions, legal disputes, defaulting clients, and of course, the thrill that comes with completing a successful project. 

But two events – both of which turned the practice of graphic design on its head – stand out as life changing. The first was the arrival of the Macintosh computer. For all practising designers at the time, computerisation necessitated an extensive rethink of the craft: no more mechanical artwork, no more paste-up, no more typesetters, no more expensive retouchers. 

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Adrian Shaughnessy
Graphic designer

Adrian Shaughnessy is a graphic designer, writer, publisher, and senior tutor at RCA. Adrian is co-founder of the publishing imprint Unit Editions. The company publishes a wide range of graphic design books. Shaughnessy is the author of monographs on Herb Lubalin, Ken Garland, FHK Henrion and Lance Wyman. He has also edited, or co-edited: GraphicsRCA: Fifty Years and Beyond. (RCA); Manuals 2. Design and Identity Guidelines (Unit Editions); and Total Design 1963–73. Expanded edition (Unit Editions).