Bridging Technology and Creativity: A Study on AI Adoption in Product Design Education

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools into product design education has garnered significant attention in recent years. A preliminary survey conducted at the onset of our design course revealed that 70% of students opposed banning AI tools from the curriculum, with 27.5% remaining neutral. Subsequent surveys indicated that 66% of students extensively adopted ChatGPT or equivalent tools, while 34% utilized Midjourney or similar tools in their design projects. These findings underscore the growing importance of AI tools in design education. This paper explores the integration of AI tools in product design courses, examining their impact on student learning outcomes. It discusses the benefits of incorporating AI, such as enabling advanced simulations, automating design processes, and fostering creativity. Additionally, the paper addresses challenges in implementing AI tools in the classroom, emphasizing the need for specialized resources and technical expertise. By presenting instructional strategies and case studies, this study illustrates successful applications of AI in product design education, providing insights into its potential to revolutionize the field.