Co-designing with the Machine: Learning Through Co-designing with Artificial Intelligence Agents

This study presents a course designed to introduce design students to generative design and machine learning tools. This course takes a unique perspective on AI, encouraging students to envision artificial agents as active contributors to the design process rather than mere tools. In this way, students can use AI and become developers, designers, and creators of new models and processes. With this approach, students acquire a deep understanding of AI and improve their practical skills to leverage it as a creative tool effectively. The course offers two formats: a traditional classroom and an intensive workshop. Both formats cover four key stages: an introduction to machine learning concepts and coding principles, project conceptualization, development, and evaluation. Students work closely with researchers at each stage to refine models, understand technical implications, and reflect on their experiences. The projects from this course exemplify the immense creative potential of AI in diverse design contexts. By integrating AI into education with a design-based approach, the co-design model accentuates the importance of collaboration and teamwork, showing the synergy between various functions and skills. Furthermore, it underlines the importance of user-centered design and collaborative mindset to address current and future challenges in the field.