In today’s fast-evolving technological landscape, educators must understand how AI is integrated into the design process so that pedagogy can be adopted to prepare students for the workplace. This proposal examines how professional designers perceive and integrate AI as an assistant in their design process, offering insights into the future of work. By understanding designers’ perspectives on AI design tools, we aim to foster effective human-AI co-collaboration, disseminate best practices, and advance innovation in the design process. Additionally, this research aims to bridge the gap between academia and professional practice by investigating how educators can incorporate AI into design education. By equipping students with the tools and knowledge used by professional designers, we can better prepare them by enhancing the curriculum to reflect industry trends and ensuring that students graduate with the skills necessary for success in their future careers.
Christine Lee is a design educator with over two decades of experience working at companies like IBM, Amazon, and Dell EMC. She is currently studying for her Executive Doctorate in Business Administration at Saint Mary’s College where she focuses her research on the future of work as AI augments and transforms the design process. Her expertise in this field has allowed her to prioritize human-centric design in her previous role as Senior Director of UX, leading her teams to develop innovative and effective solutions.