IN-PERSON MADRID FOCUS ON PEDAGOGY. SECTION A
Abstract
The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence is reshaping expectations in art, design, and media education, yet many institutions still lack clear strategies for integrating AI meaningfully within studio-based learning. This paper presents a practical and adaptable framework for incorporating AI into in-class design projects, developed through a multi-institutional research survey* and informed by diverse academic contexts. Designed as a resource checklist, the framework guides faculty in aligning AI-supported project work with course objectives, program-level Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs), and current industry competencies. It embeds AI within the traditional project-based learning cycle—research, ideation, concept development, prototyping, refinement, and presentation—while preserving the essential values of originality, critical thinking, and design literacy. Based on the initial research survey, design educators expressed an interest in further integrating AI into projects but needing structured guidance, case studies, and lesson plans. The proposed framework provides a structured approach to teaching the traditional design process, incorporating AI as an additive tool rather than a replacement. This framework would enable the use of AI to accelerate ideation, research, visualization, and prototyping, while also providing educators with the resources to evaluate and critique AI tools for their ethical and environmental impacts. Furthermore, it would provide students with the critical tools needed to navigate the nuances of this continually evolving field. Ultimately, this paper argues that intentional, transparent, and pedagogically grounded integration of AI prepares students for evolving creative industries while maintaining academic rigor and supporting authentic, process-based learning. * Survey conducted in May 2025 through August 2025.
Pouya Jahanshahi is Associate Professor of Graphic Design at Oklahoma State University and the director of the MFA program. He earned his MA in Graphic Design at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF), focusing on the Anatomy of a Visual Message and the semiotics of time-based media. He earned his MFA in Graphic Design and Integrated Media from the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts). His research inquired about the global development of what he has termed Hybrid Visual Cultures.
Anosh Gill is an acclaimed creative director and educator with over 25 years of international design experience, having served hundreds of clients and earned more than 100 awards. As a tenured Graphic Design Associate Professor and Division Director at Florida A&M University (FAMU), he has significantly revised the curriculum to include UX design, Web, animation, and current multimedia. His students have achieved remarkable success, winning over 400 design awards in the last decade. He team-teaches senior graphics classes with multinationals like Google UX and 3M. Gill believes designers are first and foremost communicators, approaching every project with a clear communication strategy. He holds an M.F.A. in Media Design from Full Sail University and a B.S. from The Ohio State University.
Kia Dolby is an award-winning graphic designer, artist, and design educator. Currently a professor of digital communication at Savannah College of Art and Design, she holds a BS in Graphic Design from Florida A&M University and an MFA from Temple University. Kia’s awards include a Cuppie Award for my work on the Beacon College University email redesign and a Muse Award for the 100 Days of Action Campaign for Kapor Center. She is a consultant for the ReDesign K-12 Education Content Map (redesignu.org). She is also the Author of Remix: Your Guide to Creating and Mixing Online Content to Build Your Brand.
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Thursday 25th June, 2026