A Deeper Dive: AI Tools and the Future of CreationWelcome to the second part of our exploration into the modern creative process. In Part I, I shared an in-depth look at my personal creative toolkit and the step-by-step journey from a nascent idea to a tangible, 3D-printed object; from that initial meditative sketching phase through CAD modeling to the final printed result.Now, as promised, we turn our attention to a force that is set to redefine many of those very processes: Artificial Intelligence. Beyond its utility in tasks like language translation, AI is stepping into the core of ideation and fabrication. How are these powerful new tools beginning to influence each stage of the workflow I described, and what are the broader implications for the design community and the future of making?AI Meets the Creative Genesis: Rethinking Low-Tech BeginningsReflecting on that initial “low-tech” phase of ideation I described — the quiet sketching with pencil and paper, or on my trusted Boox e-ink tablet — I find myself wondering how generative AI might reshape this deeply personal stage, and yes this device already has some AI integration... That meditative practice I mentioned, requiring a clear mind and intentional isolation from existing solutions, now faces an intriguing paradox.While I currently value that degree of mental isolation to foster unique concepts, the prospect of AI as a brainstorming partner is undeniably compelling. Imagine being able to rapidly visualize variations of rough sketches (but with meaning, since that is not happening at this moment, June 2025), or having an AI suggest unconventional starting points based on a simple prompt describing a functional need. The challenge, for me, would be integrating such a tool without sacrificing the serendipity and organic development that I find crucial in those early moments of creation.Remember those breakthrough moments I mentioned — the ones that happen between 2 and 4 AM or in the shower? There’s something beautifully human about that ‘diffuse thinking’ process I described. The question becomes: can AI complement this natural rhythm without disrupting it? Perhaps AI could serve as a catalyst for those focused work sessions, then step back during the mental downtime where the real magic happens. This is something that keeps me thinking…From Concepts to CAD: AI as Design PartnerMoving into the digital realm I outlined — from refined sketching in Concepts to precision modeling in Autodesk Fusion — the potential for AI integration becomes even more apparent. That seamless transition I described, where “the heavy conceptual lifting is largely complete; now it’s about execution,” I’m sure, will be dramatically enhanced in the near future.At the current pace of technological evolution, I find it increasingly difficult to imagine how large, established companies like Autodesk, will be able to keep up with the rapid developments in AI integration. In my view, what’s more likely is that we’ll witness the emergence of specialized AI-driven CAD companies, sprouting like mushrooms across the landscape, much like what we’ve seen with the proliferation of Large Language Models.Just as the LLM space has exploded with numerous players, each offering increasingly powerful capabilities and appearing from the most unexpected quarters, I anticipate a similar phenomenon in the CAD world, and in fact in all areas of knowledge. These nimble, AI-native companies won’t be burdened by legacy code or traditional approaches, allowing them to build solutions from the ground up with AI at their core.This shift could fundamentally disrupt the established order I described in Part I, where familiarity with tools like Fusion 360 becomes less relevant than adaptability to rapidly evolving AI-enhanced workflows. The question becomes: will the deep integration and ergonomic advantages I praised in my current setup be enough to compete with AI-native solutions that might offer entirely new paradigms for digital creation?AI generated image showing a futuristic scenarioBut for now, let’s imagine AI-driven features within Fusion, that could offer real-time structural analysis as I model, or suggest alternative geometries based on functional requirements. The extensive experience I mentioned with Solidworks, and others; all that intuitive knowledge about creating specific shapes — could be augmented by AI that learns from my modeling patterns and suggests optimizations.Consider how AI could transform my workflow with the 3D Scanner, I rely on. Rather than the current process of scanning, cleaning up meshes, and manually extracting geometry in Fusion, AI could automatically clean noisy scan data, intelligently reverse-engineer complex surfaces, or generate parametric features from scanned meshes. This could make that “glove-like fit” I achieve with printer components even more precise and efficient.Even those premium 3Dconnexion peripherals I praised, like the SpaceMouse Enterprise and CadMouse Pro — could potentially integrate with AI, and with time, learn my modeling preferences and suggest shortcuts or workflows based on the current design context.Manufacturing Intelligence: AI in the Physical RealmThe journey from digital model to physical object that I described — using Bambu lab software suite to interface between virtual and real — represents perhaps the most immediate opportunity for AI integration. That careful consideration of manufacturing constraints I mentioned, thinking about print orientation, supports, and material choices during the design phase, could be revolutionized.Imagine Bambu Studio augmented with AI that doesn’t just optimize G-code for speed and quality, incorporating all known and future techniques, but also predicts potential print failures based on geometry and chosen material. It could suggest design tweaks before the print even begins, analyzing those subtle influences of material choice and model geometry that I noted. This will come too, and sooner than we think. This predictive capability could significantly reduce material waste and hours spent on test prints — addressing that reality I mentioned where “despite all care, everything doesn’t always work as intended on the first try.”The iterative nature of moving from virtual to physical could become far more efficient, with AI learning from each print’s successes and failures to improve future predictions.Content Creation Enhanced: Beyond TranslationIn the content creation phase I described — crafting narratives with rendered images and descriptive texts — AI’s role extends far beyond the Gemini or Claude translation assistance I currently use. That process I outlined of creating renders in Blender while maintaining consistent parameters could be enhanced by AI generating diverse lighting setups or environments automatically.AI could analyze the CAD model’s features to draft initial assembly instructions, or even analyze community feedback on shared projects to suggest areas for improvement or new project directions. This could free up more time for the core design and making activities I’m passionate about, while ensuring high-quality presentation and engagement.The Shifting Creative Landscape: Opportunities and ConcernsHowever, this integration raises profound questions about the nature of creativity itself. That organic process I described for selecting which ideas to pursue — where “the most viable solution emerges somewhat unexpectedly” — could be fundamentally altered by AI’s systematic approach to problem-solving.Take the Tower Crane project I mentioned in Part I. Those initial notes and sketches emerged from a specific personal need or community interaction. If AI had been involved from the beginning, would the solution have been different? More efficient, perhaps, but would it have retained that uniquely human perspective that comes from lived experience?On a practical level, this shift is already visible on 3D model platforms. Decorative objects, being relatively simple to generate with small variations, are increasingly AI-created. However, projects like the functional designs I focus on, or more complex mechanisms, that include the Bambu lab Cyberbrick kit; remain largely beyond AI’s current capabilities. The question is: for how long?The Human-AI Partnership: Amplification vs. ReplacementLooking ahead, I believe creators with the necessary discernment and “mental gymnastics” will use AI as a powerful amplifier, exploring uncharted conceptual territories while maintaining that critical human judgment I emphasized throughout Part I. The key lies in preserving that balance between focused work and mental downtime, between systematic analysis and intuitive breakthrough.The danger I see is the temptation to delegate the entire creative process to machines, losing that essential human element that comes from understanding materials, experiencing failures, and developing that intuitive feel for how virtual designs translate to physical objects.That journey I described from “the initial spark of an idea to the tangible object” relies heavily on accumulated experience, tactile feedback, and yes, those 2 AM epiphanies. The challenge is integrating AI in ways that enhance rather than replace these fundamentally human aspects of creation.Conclusion: An Evolving Creative PartnershipAs we stand at this intersection of traditional making and artificial intelligence, the future of creation promises to be both exciting and uncertain. The tools and methods I shared in Part I form the backbone of my current workflow, but they’re just the beginning of a rapidly evolving story.The question isn’t whether AI will transform the creative process — it already is. The question is how we, as makers and creators, will guide that transformation to amplify human creativity rather than replace it. The path forward lies not in avoiding these tools, but in learning to use them as sophisticated extensions of our creative intentions, much like I described my CAD software as “an extension of your hand.”The future of making will likely be defined not by human versus machine, but by the thoughtful partnership between human insight and artificial capability. And that partnership, like any good design, will require careful iteration, testing, and refinement to get it right. If you like this, check my blog at: https://designrepcom.com/ for more, and updates on my projects…

Many of you have asked about the tools and processes behind the projects I share. It’s a journey that blends thought, technology, and a bit of personal preference. So, I wanted to offer a look into my current workflow, from the initial spark of an idea to the tangible object. Keep in mind, these are the tools that work for me; your own path and preferences might lead you to different solutions.The Genesis of an Idea: Low-Tech BeginningsProjects usually begin in one of two ways: a personal need, something I feel could be improved in my own daily life, or through interactions within our community — often not even directly related to 3D printing.Unlike many, I intentionally avoid extensive market research during the very early stages; in fact, I do none. My reasoning is straightforward: discovering existing solutions too soon can sometimes stifle creativity or, worse, halt a project before it even begins. If you find something “good enough” or seemingly better, the motivation to develop your own unique approach can diminish. By not initially knowing what’s already out there, I find that the mind is freer to explore unconventional paths. This effort in ideation can lead to novel concepts.Creating this mental “isolation” isn’t always easy; it’s almost a meditative practice, requiring a clear mind. In this phase, I steer clear of most technology. A simple pencil and paper, or anything that allows ideas to flow onto a physical medium with minimal friction, is key. The goal is to remove any barriers between thought and its initial capture.A potential solution might appear in seconds, or it could take days. I generally don’t spend more than an hour at a time intensely focused on a single problem if nothing emerges. If I hit a wall, I switch to another pending project. For me, having multiple projects running concurrently is vital to prevent creative burnout.There is one digital companion that’s almost always with me during this phase, so much so that I almost forgot to mention it: an e-ink tablet. I use a device from Boox (the specific model isn’t critical, as I’ve used various similar devices over the years). They offer great convenience and the assurance that my notes won’t get lost, unlike loose paper.Some notes I’ve taken for the Tower Crane projectNurturing the Spark: Selecting and Developing ConceptsThe process of selecting which idea to pursue is quite organic, without formal strategies like SWOT analysis or other formal methods. I simply continue to nurture the project, and often the most viable solution emerges somewhat unexpectedly — sometimes during a dedicated sketching session, but more often than not, breakthroughs happen between 2 and 4 a.m. or while I’m in the shower. These seem to be moments of heightened focus, curiously often when I’m not actively thinking about the problem at hand. This isn’t to suggest anything mystical; these insights don’t always pan out, so it’s far from any new-age formula.This phenomenon, often termed ‘diffuse thinking,’ is well-documented in creative practices. After periods of intense, focused effort on a problem, stepping away allows the subconscious mind to continue processing information and making connections in a less linear fashion. It’s during these moments of mental relaxation — showering, walking, or drifting off to sleep — that the analytical filters lower, and novel associations can surface, often leading to those ‘aha!’ moments. Cultivating this balance between focused work and allowing for mental downtime has become an indispensable part of my problem-solving rhythm.Once a seemingly viable solution takes shape, I try to detail as many aspects as possible. This, after the initial creative burst, is the part I enjoy most. It’s a very relaxing process, and I believe everyone should experience it. The further away from the computer, the better at this stage, as that’s where friction can start to creep in.This intensive detailing phase, even before touching CAD, serves as a crucial form of ‘mental prototyping.’ By trying to anticipate challenges and functionalities on paper or in simple sketches, I can often identify potential flaws or areas for improvement early on. However, it’s a truism in design that the journey from concept to physical object is rarely linear. The first idea, no matter how well-detailed, is seldom the final one. Embracing iteration not as a setback, but as an integral and enlightening part of the development cycle, is key to refining a design towards its optimal form and function. This mindset also helps in managing the ‘friction’ when it does appear, viewing it as a puzzle to be solved rather than a roadblock.It’s also at this stage that I might try to refine a sketch or two and the notes I’ve been taking, to make sure the process is documented more thoroughly. If I don’t do this, I know I won’t be able to pick up the process again if there’s a more prolonged interruption. So, before committing to full-scale CAD, I usually use Concepts for more refined digital sketching, and sometimes it helps to further explore forms and interactions, as you can see in one of my previous posts here:Rack4All project — Available at makerworld.comRefining the Vision: Digital Sketching and CADWhen it’s time to bring the project into the digital realm with precision, my go-to CAD tool is Autodesk Fusion. It has everything I need, but more importantly, I enjoy using it and am thoroughly familiar with its environment. A CAD tool, much like a pen, should feel like an extension of your hand. While the friction inevitably increases at this stage, the heavy conceptual lifting is largely complete; now it’s about execution. It’s very important to know how to use your tools well in the creative process. They shouldn’t get in your way.Fusion HomeMany ask why Fusion 360… I started with Solidworks back in 1998 and still use it academically — yes, it’s been a while! This extensive experience is invaluable. I rarely have to stop for long to think about how to create a specific shape, even organic ones. Years spent with Solidworks, 3DStudio, Blender, and even Cinema4D — working with surfaces and solids in Solidworks and Sub-D modeling with the others — have given me the foundation to use Fusion 360 intuitively. But don’t get me wrong, Fusion is one of the easiest programs to use that I know, and that’s probably why it’s so often recommended for people who are just starting out.What initially drew me to Fusion was its price, along with its versatile modeling capabilities. It supports traditional solid modeling (which accounts for over 90% of my publicly available work), T-splines (similar to SubD modeling in Blender or 3DStudio), surfaces (though perhaps not as powerful as Solidworks in this specific area), and mesh manipulation.Autodesk Fusion — Surface modeling area Working with meshes, once a rarity for me, became essential after I acquired a 3D scanner. I use a Revopoint Mini2. This device is why many of the parts I design fit your printer components like a glove. For more complex parts, I rely on this scanner, primarily for taking measurements and extracting geometry. I often say that for someone unfamiliar with 3D scanning, the device can be a new source of problems. However, once mastered, it becomes an indispensable tool that saves a significant amount of time.Scanned object already with the solid overlay in Fusion Optimizing the Workflow: Peripherals and Ergonomics in CADTo further reduce friction and enhance the CAD experience, I rely on peripherals from 3Dconnexion.SpaceMouse EnterpriseCadMouse Pro WirelessKeyboard Pro with NumpadThe complete kit from 3DConnexion I know these are premium devices, but I consider them a worthy investment. The integration with CAD systems is deep and well-executed. People who watch me work often comment on how quickly models seem to “appear.” These devices are a big reason for that speed. Another critical factor is ergonomics. While I try to limit my time at the computer, multi-hour sessions are sometimes unavoidable. Poor posture over the years can lead to serious musculoskeletal issues, like cervical hernias and other “gifts,” in addition to common wrist problems. I often say, “First the wrists, then the back.” This one side of my workspace On my back, I have some of my machines (some stuff I had to blur from the picture since it is stuff that is a very early stage of development). These peripherals are also application-aware; even within CAD software, the shortcut keys can change depending on the active workspace. While other peripherals with similar functionalities exist, I haven’t found any with this level of integration in CAD tools. Beyond CAD, they integrate with many other applications, including Bambu Studio, displaying specific icons for different functions — a nice touch. My positive experience makes me happy to share this, though I’m not trying to sell anything. In the past, I might have argued that I could achieve similar performance with a standard mouse and keyboard, and to some extent, that’s true. But from an ergonomic standpoint, these devices are hard to beat. In short, certain peripherals can create a more immersive and sometimes even enjoyable environment. For me, this is my choice.Macro tools for Bambu StudioFrom Virtual to Physical: The Printing ProcessOnce the digital model is ready, it’s time to make it real. This is where 3D printing comes in, and the software I use to interface between the virtual model and the physical printer is Bambu Studio and the broader Bambu Suite.The new Bambu SuiteEven as the design takes shape in the CAD environment, considerations for the eventual 3D printing process are already at play. The choice of material, and model geometry— can subtly influence design features like wall thickness, tolerances, or even overall geometry. Similarly, anticipating aspects like print orientation to maximize strength, minimize supports, or achieve a certain surface finish are often part of the digital sculpting phase. Thinking about these manufacturing constraints early on doesn’t stifle creativity; rather, it channels it towards solutions that are not only innovative but also viable and practical to produce with the chosen technology. This foresight helps streamline the transition to the physical realm and reduces the number of purely print-related iterations.What about machines? My primary printers are from Bambu Lab:H2D Combo LaserA1 ComboOccasionally, I also use my Prusa MK4 with the MMU3These machines are just tools that finalize the conversion from the initial ideation to the actual physical thing, of course, and others will have their own trusted hardware.Crafting the Narrative: Content CreationAfter producing the physical parts and verifying that everything works as intended (which, despite all care, isn’t always the case on the first try), it’s time to prepare the content for sharing. This typically involves photographs, computer-generated images (renders) from the CAD models, and, of course, the descriptive texts.The phases that make part of creating a thing for 3D printingFor creating renders, I’ve been using Blender. I try to maintain consistent parameters for a uniform look. There are other tools I could use in this department, but Blender is free and offers professional results, provided you know how to export the model correctly from Fusion to Blender — otherwise, topological chaos can ensue. As with other points, I won’t detail this process, as such information is widely available.A render image of the tower Crane without any material and scene applied The power of render can create situations that will be very difficult to obtain with a photographic process Returning to my initial notes, I begin writing the descriptions in my native language, Portuguese. For translation, I use Google’s LLM, Gemini (as of this writing, version 1.5 Pro, which is a significant leap from its predecessor). Those reading this in the future will likely chuckle, as these LLMs are evolving at a doubly exponential rate. This isn’t an excuse, but perhaps some of you will forgive a few errors in my English descriptions. I must confess my difficulty with English expression; it’s something I’ve always struggled with, and it’s always been quite challenging for me to express myself verbally this way. However, I believe this will soon be a thing of the past with AI, judging by what I saw at the last Google I/O ’25 Keynote. This might become a problem of yesteryear, but I’m still waiting to see.Google Meet with real-time translation already available Conclusion: The Evolving Creative JourneyAnd that, in essence, is my current journey from concept to creation. It’s an evolving process, and the tools change over time, but the core desire to build and share remains constant. While these tools and methods form the backbone of my current workflow, there’s a rapidly evolving domain that promises to reshape many aspects of the creative process: Artificial Intelligence. Having touched upon its use in translation, the broader implications of AI in design and fabrication deserve a dedicated discussion.In the next article, I’ll delve deeper into my thoughts on AI’s emerging role in the creative sphere, exploring its potential, the challenges it presents, and the complex questions it raises for creators like us. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll explore this fascinating and sometimes contentious topic. Note This is part of what I have on my blog: https://designrepcom.com/ which, despite being on Medium, is free, and it's where I usually publish. 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