DEL in Between (PR): Generative AI in Design Education

What is DEL in Between (PR)?

DEL in Between (PR) is a monthly peer-reviewed webinar series exploring emerging topics in art and design higher education. It is organised by DEL Conference, a collective of colleagues across Parsons School of Design, Penn State, Texas State University, University of the Arts London.

Learn more about DEL.

What's on this month?

DOING IT MY WAY: Exploring Generative AI as a Support Tool in Game Design Education.

Presenter: RAY LC, Assistant Professor of Creative Media (City University of Hong Kong)

One challenge in game design education is the deep understanding of game mechanics and aesthetics that can only be learned through years of real world experience. To teach student game designers who lack mechanics-creation and illustration expertise to prototype games, particularly those with a physical component, we created a four-week workshop that enabled game design students to use both text and image-based Generative AI tools (GenAI) to design and make table-top games. We found that students used different strategies that either relied entirely on GenAI specification or ignored their recommendations, depending on the contexts and perception of GenAI. Students found that both text-to-text and text-to-image tools lacked originality when asked to build unique ideas into a fresh game mechanic. Instead, participants often viewed GenAI more as a resource assistant rather than a collaborative designer. Text-based GenAI was used most notably during rule-specification stage of the design, while image-based tools were used for repeated regeneration of potential game visual elements. We examined insights for how game designer education may utilize text and image-based GenAI tools for creating and rapidly testing physical aspects of design experiences, providing a blueprint for how future educational tools may overcome challenges inherent in GenAI educational support.

Exploring the Impact of Generative Artificial Intelligence on Teaching and Learning within Multidisciplinary Design Education

Presenters:

• Jeannine Vail, Assistant Professor (University of North Texas)
• Chanjuan Chen, Associate Professor (University of North Texas)

As generative artificial intelligence (AI) technology continues to revolutionize the design industry, traditional design processes in fashion and interior design are being reshaped by the integration of digital tools, leading to new opportunities for creativity, efficiency, and accessibility. This rapid evolution underscores the urgent need for design education to adapt and innovate. These programs must revisit their curricula to incorporate emerging AI trends, equip students with relevant skills, and foster a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between design and various technologies to prepare students for the rapidly changing industry.

Through a multidisciplinary workshop series led by an AI designer, followed by a faculty-led course assignment, within four weeks, fashion and interior design students explored the intersection of AI platforms, then applied this new information to a design project in which each discipline was given the same context and starting AI prompt. Although different outcomes surfaced, the design process, learned experience, and reflection from the students were similar. What initially was an uncertain landscape, the “AI world” became less daunting, and students’ improved confidence allowed them to move forward with a clear direction for using AI in the future and what it means for the fashion and interior design industries.

What's on next?

Explore the rest of the DEL in Between (PR) collection to sign up upcoming sessions.

Do you have any questions?

Email us at delconference@arts.ac.uk