The integration of large language models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, into higher education opens new prospects for advanced case study work within applied learning environments. However, the adoption of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in universities of applied sciences remains limited and is still shaped by digital barriers and uncertainties. To address this situation, this article proposes a methodological framework for persona-based evaluations in case study work using ChatGPT-4o. The framework was developed and implemented with eight students during an international workshop week focusing on a company case study that assessed product design solutions. Evaluations were conducted through simulated perspective-taking based on specific personas, using ChatGPT-4o with purposefully designed prompts. The findings indicate that GenAI-assisted evaluations in case study work, when combined with personas, enhance domain-specific competencies, practical application, and critical reflection. Relevant implications of the proposed framework are discussed, highlighting the didactic potential of GenAI to achieve intended learning outcomes. Finally, the study’s limitations are outlined, and an outlook on future research is provided before concluding the article.
Christoph Heinbach (Thu,) studied this question.