AI in Design Education at College Level-Educators' Perspectives and Challenges

TL;DR

This study explores how design educators perceive and integrate AI into college-level design education, highlighting its growing role, challenges, and the need for foundational skills and ethical considerations.

Contribution

It provides qualitative insights into educators' perspectives on AI's role, challenges, and integration strategies in design education at the college level.

Findings

AI is increasingly used as a tool and information source in design education.

Educators incorporate AI as a theoretical framework in teaching.

Strong foundational design skills are essential for guiding AI use.

Abstract

Artificial intelligence has deeply permeated numerous fields, especially the design area which relies on technology as a tool for innovation. This change naturally extends to the field of design education, which is closest to design practice. This has led to further exploration of the impact of AI on college-level education in the design discipline. This study aims to examine how current design educators perceive the role of AI in college-level design education, their perspectives on integrating AI into teaching and research, and their concerns regarding its potential challenges in design education and research. Through qualitative, semi-structured, in-depth interviews with seven faculties in U.S. design colleges, the findings reveal that AI, as a tool and source of information, has become an integral part of design education. AI- derived functionalities are increasingly utilized in design software, and educators are actively incorporating AI as a theoretical framework in their teaching. Educators can guide students in using AI tools, but only if they first acquire a strong foundation in basic design principles and skills. This study also indicates the importance of promoting a cooperative relationship between design educators and AI. At the same time, educators express anticipation for advancements in ethical standards, authenticity, and the resolution of copyright issues related to AI.