# When using AI in product development is not a good idea - IDology #13

- Show: [IDology](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/idology)
- Published: 2024-01-10
- Length: 32m
- Episode: 13
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/idology/2024-01-10-when-using-ai-in-product-development-is-not-a-good-idea-idology-13
- Listen: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mindsailors/episodes/When-using-AI-in-product-development-is-not-a-good-idea---IDology-13-e2e55c5

## Summary

Piotr Dalewski, a mechanical design engineer, and Rafał Piłat, CEO of the industrial design studio Mindsailors, discuss why generative AI cannot currently replace human designers in product development. They argue that AI lacks the empathy and contextual understanding required to interpret vague client needs and validate design briefs against manufacturing constraints. The conversation highlights that while AI can assist with specific tasks, it struggles with reverse engineering novel objects and understanding the functional logic behind form, which requires years of professional experience.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/idology/2024-01-10-when-using-ai-in-product-development-is-not-a-good-idea-idology-13#t=0) Introduction and the Role of Empathy in Design
- [1:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/idology/2024-01-10-when-using-ai-in-product-development-is-not-a-good-idea-idology-13#t=66) Interpreting Client Visions and Validating Briefs
- [14:34](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/idology/2024-01-10-when-using-ai-in-product-development-is-not-a-good-idea-idology-13#t=874) The Limitations of AI in Reverse Engineering and Functionality
- [21:58](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/idology/2024-01-10-when-using-ai-in-product-development-is-not-a-good-idea-idology-13#t=1318) Data Quality, Validation, and the Future of AI in Design

## Topics

- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)
- [Industrial & consumer product design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/industrial-design)
- [Design for manufacturing & NPI](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/design-for-manufacturing)

## Most relevant to

established companies

## Mentioned

- Midjourney (tool)
- GrabCAD (tool)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [How AI Is Transforming Product Design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/its-only-a-prototype/2025-05-29-how-ai-is-transforming-product-design) (It's Only a Prototype)
- [Revolutionizing Everything, Even Manufacturing: The Transformative Power of AI with Emily Laird](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2025-03-18-revolutionizing-everything-even-manufacturing-the-transformative-power-of-ai-wit) (EMS@C-LEVEL)
- [S3 E5: AI in Hardware: The Future of Design, Manufacturing, and Innovation with Kristen Edwards](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-builder-circle/2025-11-25-s3-e5-ai-in-hardware-the-future-of-design-manufacturing-and-innovation-with-kris) (The Builder Circle)
- [Product Design in the Era of Industry 4.0 w/ Kevin Bailey](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2023-08-22-product-design-in-the-era-of-industry-4-0-w-kevin-bailey) (The Manufacturing Executive)
- [168: The Future of Hardware Product Design Thinking](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2023-03-23-168-the-future-of-hardware-product-design-thinking) (Product Startup)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/idology/2024-01-10-when-using-ai-in-product-development-is-not-a-good-idea-idology-13. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to IDology.