As We Are – Challenging AI beauty standards

Research Question:

Research Question:

Research Question:

How can realistic female skin textures be normalized in the tech-driven field of AI?

In which ways can today's contextual duality of historical monuments be shown without adding physical damage?

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AsWeAre_08

Recent data shows 94 % feel pressured by beauty standards, harming self-esteem. Generative AI, using altered images, worsens this pursuit of perfection and body shaming, especially for young women. 'AsWeAre' is a prototypical AI stock service for designers and marketers, featuring portraits trained on real women with authentic skin textures. It offers an advanced AI photo generator and AI-generated photo stock.

The project was developed using AI-powered coding on Google Colab to train the model for generating images that include 6 frequent skin conditions, such as acne, wrinkles, or rosacea, to break the cycle of unrealistic beauty expectations in AI-generated stock material. The generated photos portray women of various ages, colors, and skin conditions in natural and relatable settings. 

By challenging existing narratives and working towards the normalization of real skin, 'AsWeAre' hopes to offer a more diverse and genuine representation of women and promote an inclusive visual culture.

'AsWeAre' was exhibited at Berlin Design Week 2024.

Berlin Design Week 2024 Logo

Students:
Mariia Orr, Diamond Sledge, Larissa Moraes, Seoyeon Hong

Advisors Concept & Prototyping:
Prof. Henrik Rieß, Felix Müller, M.A.Anc Ciechanowicz, M.A.

Advisors Graphic Design:
Barbora Demovič, M.A.Anna Bernhardt, B.A.

See all ‘Punk & Participation’ Projects

See all ‘Punk & Participation’ Projects

Contact: 
Prof. Henrik Rieß
Interaction Design and Visual Communication

Berlin International
University of Applied Sciences

Salzufer 6, 10587 Berlin, Germany

Tel: +49 30 81 05 80 80
E-Mail: riess[at]berlin-international.de

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