The rapid development and widespread application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) are profoundly transforming product design processes and redefining the role of designers. AI not only accelerates the design process but also offers innovative design options, driving iteration and personalization. These shifts pose new challenges for designers’ responsibilities, while also highlighting the importance of education and access to changing technology. Although AI is unlikely to completely replace designers, collaboration with AI has become an essential and inevitable trend. This study sets two key objectives: (1) to examine current practices and challenges in AI adoption within design processes through interviews with industry leaders, and (2) to evaluate the perspectives on generative AI tools in design ideation and prototyping—emphasizing the role of education—through a co-creation workshop with design students. Research indicates that generative AI significantly boosts data collection and design efficiency, yet designers’ professional expertise remains vital for filtering data and leveraging AI-generated outcomes. By harnessing AI for divergent thinking in the early design stages, designers can focus on converging concepts, allowing them to devote more energy to creativity and higher-level strategic design. As technology continues to evolve, designers must adapt by formulating clear instructions, refining their ability to interact with AI effectively, pursuing continuous education, and ensuring they have access to changing technology—alongside the critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed to thrive in a rapidly shifting industry.