Design students’ use of AI in projects teaches career skills

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graphic design professors integrated artificial intelligence (AI) tools into classes, allowing students to design sustainable communities and create retro cookbooks. The professors emphasized the importance of students learning how to use AI since it is likely they will need to be familiar with it in their future workplaces. Students initially had reservations like ethical concerns and frustration with output, but the professors stressed that AI should be viewed as a brainstorming partner or storyboard for inspiration rather than a replacement for designers’ skills. The professors also discussed the ethical issues associated with AI use and are currently developing a policy for its use in assignments.