Fine Print

AI Protocol

SB Design’s position

Artificial intelligence is changing how design studios work, and SB Design is no exception. We use AI tools selectively and thoughtfully, as a means to deliver better outcomes for our clients, not as a shortcut that compromises the quality or integrity of our work.

Our approach is consistent with the NSW Government’s AI Ethics Policy, which establishes principles for the responsible use of AI across transparency, accountability, and privacy. These principles align with how we already work, and with the expectations of the clients and sectors we serve.

The tools SB Design uses

We currently use the following AI tools as part of our workflow:

• Adobe AI features are used within our existing design software for photo editing and production tasks within the Adobe Suite.
• Claude (Anthropic) is used primarily for research, content drafting, copywriting support, and strategic thinking tasks. It helps us work through problems, develop written content, and explore ideas efficiently.
• ChatGPT (OpenAI) is used for similar purposes, including drafting, summarising, and refining written content at various stages of a project.

We do not use AI to replace creative direction, strategic thinking, or client relationships. These remain the responsibility of SB Design.

How SB Design uses AI

AI is used at specific stages of a project, depending on the task. Common applications include:

• Research and discovery, to gather background information, identify trends, or synthesise large amounts of content quickly.
• Content and copy development, to draft, structure, or refine written material that is then reviewed and edited by SB Design.
• Concept exploration, to generate ideas or references that inform, but do not replace, our creative process.
• Technical problem-solving, to work through questions such as how to achieve a specific outcome in code or software, in the same way a designer might search for a solution online.
• Photo editing and production, to assist with image correction tasks within Adobe tools, such as removing unwanted elements from a background or making adjustments that would otherwise require significant manual effort.

In all cases, AI output is treated as a starting point. SB Design reviews, edits, and takes responsibility for the final work before it is presented or delivered to a client.

Human oversight

Every piece of work that leaves SB Design has been personally reviewed. SB Design does not pass AI-generated content or creative directly to clients without assessment and refinement.

Our oversight process includes reviewing AI output for accuracy, tone, and relevance to the brief, editing and rewriting content to reflect the client’s voice and context, checking for errors or generic responses that do not serve the project, and applying our own creative and strategic judgement before finalising any deliverable.

SB Design is accountable for the quality of the output, regardless of the tools used to produce it.

Protecting client information

We treat client information with the same care regardless of the tools we use. When working with AI tools, we do not input confidential client data, proprietary business information, commercially sensitive content, or personal information about a client’s customers or stakeholders.

Where a project contains sensitive data, such as student lists, client contact records, or similar personal information, we will not upload that information to any AI tool without express written permission from the client. If a project requires us to work with sensitive material more broadly, we discuss appropriate processes with the client before the project begins.

We are aware that many AI platforms retain or process inputted content as part of their systems. Our approach is to avoid inputting anything we would not be comfortable sharing beyond SB Design.

AI in photo editing

We use AI-assisted tools within the Adobe Suite for photo correction and retouching tasks. This includes removing unwanted elements from backgrounds, such as signage or incidental objects, and making adjustments to images where manual editing would otherwise be time-consuming.

We do not use AI image generation tools to create original imagery for client work. All photography used in our projects is either supplied by the client, sourced from licensed libraries, or commissioned directly.

Transparency with clients

We believe clients have the right to know when AI has played a role in their project. Where AI has contributed meaningfully to research, content, or creative development, we are open about that when asked.

If a client has specific requirements around AI use, including restrictions or documentation obligations, we are happy to accommodate these within our process. Please raise any requirements at the start of a project.

Keeping records

We record AI use as part of our standard project documentation. This includes noting which tool was used, at what stage of the project, and what, if anything, was taken from the output. These records support our own accountability processes and give us a clear account of our workflow if a client requests it.

Reviewing this protocol

AI tools and the expectations around them are changing quickly. We review this protocol regularly to make sure it reflects how we are actually working, and what our clients reasonably expect of us.

Last reviewed: March 2026