FROM CONCEPT TO CREATION: LEVERAGING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN MECHANICAL DESIGN AND IDEATION

This paper explores the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into mechanical design workflows, with a focus on improving ideation, creativity and iterative development. Traditional design processes, limited by sequential workflows, time-consuming iterations and reliance on intuition, are increasingly unable to cope with the complexity and pace of modern product development. To overcome these limitations, an AI-driven design framework is proposed that consists of four interconnected components: generative design algorithms, surrogate modelling and performance prediction, data-driven decision support, and a human-AI interaction layer. The framework is validated through two case studies: the generative design of an ergonomic armrest optimised for additive manufacturing and biomechanical performance, and an educational study investigating the impact of AI-assisted sketching (Vizcom) on student creativity in sustainable product design. The results show that iteration was accelerated, design diversity improved, and user engagement increased. In addition to presenting the technical results, the paper builds on the author’s previous research on intelligent ergonomic and aesthetic guidance systems and provides a long-term perspective on the development of AI-powered design tools. The discussion emphasises the need for human-centred AI, robust data infrastructures and ethical accountability. The paper concludes with an outlook on future directions in adaptive AI learning, training and responsible implementation in technical practise.