About

Design, Interrupted examines the shift in creative work from analog to algorithmic image search. The project focuses on how algorithms might be "interrupting" the process of searching for images.

Searching for inspiration is often a critical early stage of the design process. Historically, leafing through books and magazines provided inspiration. Search now is now primarily digital and uses social media platforms. This research considers the unintended consequences and effects these platforms maybe having on the design process, and in turn, on creativity at large.

Project Lead


Design, Interrupted is part of Maggie Mustaklem's doctoral research on AIĀ and the design process at the Oxford Internet Institute. As a practicing designer, Maggie became interested in how this change in where we find inspiration may be influencing what we ultimately produce.