What question did this study set out to answer?

The research aims to explore the role of artificial intelligence in generating design variations within design studio education.

April 12, 2026Open Access

Extant use of Artificial Intelligence in developing Design Variations in Design Studios in Kumasi Technical University

Key Points

The research aims to explore the role of artificial intelligence in generating design variations within design studio education.
Mixed-methods design incorporating quantitative and qualitative evaluations.
130 students participated in AI-assisted and traditional ideation tasks.
10 lecturers provided qualitative insights and evaluations.
Assessment of outputs using expert rubrics and automated metrics.
AI significantly increased ideation productivity with a mean of 10.6 variations compared to 5.2 for traditional methods.
Higher novelty and diversity scores were recorded for AI-generated designs, with novelty means of 5.8 versus 3.9 and diversity means of 6.1 versus 4.2.
Feasibility of designs was lower in AI outputs at 4.6 compared to 5.4 for traditional methods.
Prompt specificity and instructor feedback were crucial for output quality.

Abstract

This study investigated the extant use of artificial intelligence (AI) for generating design variations in studio-based design education, focusing on the Departments of Construction Technology and Quantity Surveying and Interior Design F(1,129) = 118.45, p < .001, η² = .48) and yielded higher novelty and diversity scores (expert means: Novelty 5.8 vs 3.9; Diversity 6.1 vs 4.2; both p < .001), while feasibility was reduced (4.6 vs 5.4; p = .021). Prompt specificity and instructor scaffolding were strong mediators of output quality (prompt specificity r = .61, p < .001). Qualitative findings revealed benefits for divergent exploration alongside risks of design fixation, stylistic homogenization, and ethical concerns (authorship, copyright, and cultural bias). The study concludes that AI functions best as a complementary ideation tool when embedded within scaffolded pedagogy emphasizing prompt literacy, critical evaluation rubrics and ethical guidance. Practical recommendations include curriculum modules on AI and prompt engineering, institutional policies for IP and cultural dataset development, and further longitudinal and industry-linked research to assess long-term impacts on creativity and professional practice.

Extant use of Artificial Intelligence in developing Design Variations in Design Studios in Kumasi Technical University

Key Points

Abstract

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