From prehistoric cave paintings to an inventor’s Eureka moment, creativity has always been described as a particularly human trait. But something strange can happen with generative artificial intelligence. Your ideas can take shape far faster. You also get ideas that you might never have imagined on your own. So, who is the creator here? What is creative work in the era of generative AI? What is innovation in this emerging world? In this episode, How Generative AI Changes Creativity, Adi Ignatius speaks with video artist and consultant Don Allen Stevenson III about how generative AI is disrupting creative work and the creative industry. Then Ignatius speaks to two innovation researchers, Jacqueline Ng Lane and David De Cremer, about changes to the creative process within organizations. Lane is a professor at Harvard Business School. De Cremer is a professor at the National University of Singapore Business School and a coauthor of the HBR article “How Generative AI Could Disrupt Creative Work.” How Generative AI Changes Everything is a special series from HBR IdeaCast. Each week, HBR editor in chief Adi Ignatius and HBR editor Amy Bernstein host conversations with experts and business leaders about the impact of generative AI on productivity, creativity and innovation, organizational culture, and strategy. The episodes publish in the IdeaCast feed each Thursday in May, after the regular Tuesday episode. And for more on ethics in the age of AI, check out HBR’s Big Idea on implementing the new technology responsibly.

Don Allen Stevenson III, a former DreamWorks specialist and author of "Make a Seat," dives into the transformative power of AI agents. He explores how these agents are set to take over mundane tasks, thereby enhancing creativity and efficiency. The discussion also touches on the divergence in AI adoption between smaller and larger studios, the role of AI in automating content creation, and the integration of technology in storytelling. Stevenson emphasizes the importance of embracing AI to foster new opportunities during periods of change.

Don Allen Stevenson III, a pioneering force in extended reality, delves into his journey blending AI, art, and technology. He discusses the creative possibilities unlocked by Apple Vision Pro, showcasing the 'Clear Mirror' series as a hopeful alternative to bleak tech narratives. Don emphasizes the importance of finding balance in a fast-paced world, sharing personal stories of how rescue dogs and outdoor activities can foster routine. He also explores the philosophical concept of Ikigai, highlighting the need for authentic connections in our tech-driven society.