Darrick is a multidisciplinary designer based in Singapore. In 2012, he co-founded SWELL, a design practice creating printed matter, analogue, digital, and experiential concepts. SWELL has earned recognition from the Type Directors Club, D&AD, and AIGA’s 50 Books/50 Covers, with features in design blogs and annuals such as Asia-Pacific Design. Alongside SWELL, Darrick teaches as an adjunct lecturer at design and art institutions in Singapore.
Drawing Beyond the Prompt
Exploring Real-Time Generative AI using Drawing and Speech as Multimodal Interactions for Graphic Design
Drawing Beyond the Prompt is a design-led research project that explores how generative AI can better support designers—not by replacing them, but by adapting to how they think and work. Instead of typing static prompts, designers can draw freely while speaking their ideas. A speech-to-text model transcribes their voice into prompt text, allowing for seamless, real-time interaction without breaking creative flow. This research focuses on designing with the human at the centre. By developing functional prototypes and testing them in workshops with design students and professionals, the project examines how sketch-and-speak interaction changes the way designers engage with AI. The goal is to create tools that feel less like machines waiting for instructions, and more like creative partners that respond naturally to human input.
