Artificial Intelligence in Fashion Design Education: Implications for Sustainable Design Practices

This study investigated the implications of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into fashion design education and their relationship with supporting sustainable design practices. A descriptive–analytical approach was adopted, and an online questionnaire was administered to a sample of 404 female students and graduates specializing in fashion design in Saudi Arabia. The study examined the perceived usefulness of AI technologies in supporting sustainable design, the level of sustainable design self-efficacy, the relationship between these two variables, and differences associated with selected demographic variables. In addition, two optional open-ended questions provided complementary qualitative insights into participants’ perceptions of AI in sustainable fashion design. The findings revealed a high level of perceived usefulness of AI technologies in supporting sustainable design practices, as well as a high level of sustainable design self-efficacy among the participants. Statistically significant differences were found in perceived usefulness according to participants’ level of experience with AI tools and frequency of use, in favor of those with greater experience and more frequent use. The results also showed a strong positive relationship between perceived usefulness and sustainable design self-efficacy, along with statistically significant differences according to academic status, educational level, and geographic region. The qualitative findings further highlighted the role of AI in enhancing creativity, improving design efficiency, and reducing waste, while also pointing to challenges related to AI literacy, intellectual property, and ethical use. The study contributes empirical evidence from fashion design education in Saudi Arabia, a context that remains underrepresented in previous research, and emphasizes the importance of integrating AI technologies into fashion design education through educational and ethical frameworks that promote responsible AI use and sustainability-oriented design competencies.