Design and AI – Masterclass

A specialised Masterclass on “Design and AI” was organised for students of the Department of Design, facilitated by Ms. Swapna Karunakaran of Apeejay Stya University, focusing on the practical integration of artificial intelligence within the design thinking framework to prepare students for a technology-driven industry where creative intuition meets algorithmic precision. The session fostered rigorous intellectual discussion on the shift in the role of the designer — from a sole creator to a curator of AI-generated options — highlighting that the designer’s value in an AI-augmented workflow lies increasingly in judgement, curation, and conceptual direction rather than sole execution. Ethical considerations surrounding original authorship and the use of datasets in AI-generated artwork were examined, raising important questions about creative ownership and attribution that design students will encounter as working professionals. Students received practical career advice on how to remain indispensable in a market increasingly dominated by automated tools, with the session positioning AI as a strategic resource for rapid prototyping and iterative visualisation rather than a replacement for human creativity. Students were introduced to the latest AI-driven design tools and discussed how to incorporate them into existing creative workflows, with outcomes including skill enhancement, industry readiness, and direct motivation to experiment with AI platforms in studio projects.