Recent advances by OpenAI and Google signal that AI image generation has entered a new, more integrated phase.
Unlike traditional diffusion-based image models, these new systems generate images through the language model’s reasoning in pixel space, enabling more coherent and iterative visual outputs.
We asked Meera Clark and Adil Bhatia for their reactions on what this means for personalization & engagement, creative process and design, and media. Here’s what they had to say:
🎯 Personalization and Engagement
As customization capabilities continue to improve, whether in interactive fiction or personalized images, user expectations for ubiquitous personalization are rising. From AI-driven product and apparel creation (offered by platforms like Arcade or Tapstich) to more personalized search and discovery experiences (pioneered by platforms like Daydream and where novel approaches are expanding the aperture of what’s possible), consumers increasingly expect "tailored-to-me" solutions. User interactions will increasingly orient around individual behavior and preferences, with products becoming more personalized the more they are used. (Meera Clark)
🔄 Iterative Creative Process & Generative UI
Rather than crafting a perfect prompt and hoping the AI nails it in one go, users can approach image creation as a conversation. This iterative loop feels natural and lowers the skill barrier for creativity. A designer could generate a concept and then continuously tweak composition, colors, or styles with simple instructions rather than manual editing. The result is a more interactive, rapid prototyping cycle powered by AI. Imagine taking this further to a truly generative UI, where the model produces the next frame of the app you are using based on your actions. With AI, designers will gain the ultimate creative partner, empowering them to explore a broader range of ideas, push creative boundaries, and unlock design possibilities faster than ever. (Adil Bhatia)
▶️ New Media Formats
The fusion of conversational AI with image generation hints at entirely new media formats. We might see dynamic graphic novels, AI-generated short films on the fly – or even video games where the art style evolves based on player input. While early products in these categories have shown impressive virality, their long-term success will depend on the depth of user engagement. We believe it’s a matter of "when," not "if." Whether the ultimate distributors are established media giants or AI-driven disruptors will determine if value accrues to AI-powered content creation systems or vertically-integrated consumer experiences. Either way, the future of content consumption will be vastly different from the past. (Meera Clark)
How do you see these advancements playing out?
