| Keywords |
Digital design education; Design thinking; Generative artificial intelligence |
| Abstract |
This study examines the integration of Design Thinking and artificial intelligence (AI) in digital design education. As architecture education evolves, there is a need for creative problem-solving and innovative thinking beyond technical skills. Design Thinking offers a human-centered approach, while AI supports data-driven decision-making and design processes. This research, based on a case study from a first-year digital design course in a five-year accredited architecture program, applied Design Thinking and AI tools. Students utilized Rhino for modeling, AI-assisted rendering for visualizations, and 3D printing for final models. The study involved 26 students with prior exposure to generative AI concepts but no hands-on experience with AI rendering tools. Students conducted team projects following the five stages of Design Thinking: Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test. They selected architectural cases and applied Design Thinking to analyze and develop their projects. Peer evaluations were conducted based on seven criteria, including creativity, feasibility, and structural coherence. Findings reveal that combining Design Thinking with AI enhances creative and practical problem-solving skills. AI tools enabled high-quality rendering and iterative refinement, while peer evaluations highlighted project strengths and improvement areas. This study demonstrates the potential of integrating Design Thinking and AI to foster innovative educational methodologies, preparing future designers to address complex challenges with creative and technically sound solutions. |