Technology vs creativity

摘要

Attending last month’s International Fragrance Association(IFRA)UK Fragrance Forum,titled’Scent and artificial intelligence’,it struck me that those involved in creative pursuits,be this art or perfumery,often nurse a certain level of distrust when it comes to technology.I can understand those who wonder if the use of AI in fragrance creation might rob consumers of the feeling that they’ve invested in something artisanal.In an ideal world,everything I own would be the work of a master craftsman! But wouldn’t it be broader minded and potentially more lucrative to view such technological leaps as a useful tool for the more effective pursuit of creativity? If AI has enabled the selection of an odour molecule to replace one that has been identified as an allergen,or recommended an overdose of a certain material in the final composition,this does not diminish the role of the perfumer-but it might enhance their output and potentially buy them more time,freeing them up for further creative endeavours.