The influence of AI is perhaps one of the hottest topics in the industry today, and the future of the charter yacht design process presents an exciting challenge. We were fascinated to learn from designer Scott Henderson how he used software as part of his design toolkit.
Superyacht STRIDER | a futuristic concept yacht from Scott Henderson
Scott talked us through his experimental process as he explored the potential of generative AI technology, Mid-Journey v5.1.
“The process begins by using the standard subscription to Mid-Journey v5.1 (text to image AI) and considering key features of next-generation charter superyachts, such as large sun deck, helicopter pad, pool deck, jacuzzi and swim deck. Using these as text prompts, the software generates multiple concepts,” says Scott.
Luxury charter yacht STRIDER | a concept yacht from Scott Henderson
From these initial concepts, certain details emerge that a designer may not have thought of and can focus on, “you select ideas you think are tracking in the right direction, and the software works on those some more, so after about 8 cycles, it has really explored a lot of ideas.”
Research is an essential part of any design process and traditionally a designer will generate mood boards which visually demonstrate their research using images sourced from books, websites and apps. With AI, the images that make up a designer’s mood board can now be completely customized instead of just randomly sourced from the internet. AI can also elevate mood boards to the next level by creating bespoke rendering effects. Scott says, “I can use text prompts such as ‘shoot in dramatic early morning light using 35mm camera’ or ‘generate background of the tropical ocean’ to personalise the mood board or drop in architectural people to add context”.
There is some way to go before AI can generate complete and usable charter superyacht concepts, so Scott still uses a ‘traditional’ design process after his upfront AI-generated inspirations. Designs for superyacht STRIDER began with hand-drawn sketches, moving to 2D scale drawings which are then translated into 3D CAD models, and finally rendered into 3D images. The final stage is where AI has created text prompted backgrounds and staging.
Superyacht STRIDER | from Scott Henderson
The renderings for superyacht STRIDER reflect many of the ideas which will no-doubt feature in superyachts of the future. The name is inspired by the Water Strider, an insect which glides at speed across the surface of the water and the rendered images show the evolution of popular charter yacht design features.
- Tri-marin design for speed and efficiency
- Helicopter pad aft
- Pass-through, half indoor/half outdoor swimming pool/jacuzzi deck
- Forward sundeck or outdoor dining area deck
- Swim platform aft that hinges closed when underway
- Swim / Toy / Tender platform with elevators that lower jet skis or tender into the water
Scott Henderson is an American designer, artist, writer, and curator from New York City where he has risen to the pinnacle of his profession as one of the world’s leading industrial designers. Scott’s love for vehicle and transportation design has also led to fantastic superyacht design concepts. Scott believes that the goal of good design is to meet the mind of the user with unimpeded flow.
Scott Henderson
As a leading luxury yacht charter broker, we look forward to one day seeing such concepts in reality, with charter guests on board cruising the Mediterranean or Caribbean.
