Applying generative AI to explore new dimensions of reflection and interaction in agile design workshops

Artificial intelligence’s (AI) capability to generate innovative visual content has intrigued the design community, leading to significant exploration of its influence on design outcomes. However, the broader impact of AI on the holistic design process, especially in collaborative settings, remains understudied. This paper contends that generative AI can augment both reflective and interactive functions within agile design workshops, thereby enriching the collaborative design experience. This paper presents findings from three agile design workshops that explicitly incorporated generative AI for university design students. The first case study examines individual product experience reports, the second analyses team discussion transcripts, and the third observes the active role of generative AI in the design process. Our insights extend beyond AI’s output performance to its implications for project management, offering a new perspective on the strategic use of AI in design education and practises.