The Most Common Misconceptions About Generative Design - Namwoo Kang | Podcast #160

Explore Narnia Labs: https://www.narnia.ai

Connect with Namwoo on LinkedIn:   / namwoo-kang-79347386  In this exclusive podcast episode, Professor Namwoo Kang, founder of Narnia Labs and professor at KAIST, shares a behind-the-scenes look at how generative design is being redefined through data-driven AI, simulation, and optimization. Many still confuse topology optimization with AI. Namwoo explains why that’s a misconception, and explains the real difference between rule-based design methods and the data-driven approaches being developed at Narnia Labs. From learning directly from 3D CAD shapes and performance outcomes to building self-improving AI agents, the episode explores how design workflows are transforming from guided processes to autonomous systems. Throughout the conversation, Namwoo touches on practical case studies with global manufacturing companies, the story behind the name "Narnia Labs", and how the team is building a design assistant named AslanX — a reference to the lion from the Chronicles of Narnia — that helps engineers create, test, and optimize designs in a virtual world.