Dual-phase design learning: Enhancing design education in the era of generative AI

The advent of generative artificial intelligence (AI) technology has profoundly influenced the design field, thereby necessitating adaptations in contemporary design education. The benefits and limitations of employing generative AI in design emphasizes the significance of critical reflection in student learning. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a dual-phase design learning approach, integrating two learning phases (exploration and integration) with embedded reflective practice. To support the implementation of this learning approach, we developed a digital platform, Pocket Studio, offering students AI and lab resources for their learning activities. The proposed learning approach, applied in an undergraduate design course, received positive feedback from students. The results underscore the considerable potential of the dual-phase design learning approach in enhancing design education in the generative AI era and offer practical reference values for other modules in design disciplines to integrate AI into design education. This article was published open access under a CC BY licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ .