ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Design Industry Debates Taste and Discernment in AI Era

digital · 2026-03-14

A recent Design Observer newsletter discusses the growing emphasis on taste and discernment in design and technology, citing statements from OpenAI executives Greg Brockman and Sam Altman, as well as Y Combinator founder Paul Graham. The article notes that this conversation has historical roots in design movements like Bauhaus functionalism, which influenced American manufacturing during the Great Depression. It also references Don Norman's 2009 book 'Design for a Better World' and includes updates on design-related news, such as Mexico's circular economy law and a robotics lead's resignation from OpenAI over a government contract.

Key facts

  • OpenAI leaders highlight taste as a key skill in AI development
  • Design history ties taste to economic differentiation since the Industrial Age
  • Mexico enacts legislation mandating circular design practices
  • A senior robotics design lead resigns from OpenAI citing ethical concerns
  • Don Norman's work advocates for humanity-centered design beyond traditional metrics

Entities

Artists

  • L.V. Hull

Institutions

  • OpenAI
  • Y Combinator
  • Design Observer
  • WashU Sam Fox School
  • New York Times
  • Tosti Creative

Locations

  • Mexico
  • Amsterdam
  • United States

Sources