What will I learn on this module?
This module will introduce you to designing at a higher level with a cross section of industry leading artificial intelligence tools which help to boost design experimentation, iteration and quality of final outcomes. You will gain an understanding and practical application of emerging generative AI and related design tools and models in relation to human-centred design principles. By exploring methods for understanding user needs, behaviours, and preferences (through techniques such as user research, personas, and empathy mapping) you will also learn how new tools can be critically incorporated into design practice based on your capabilities and willingness to integrate generative AI in your design practice. You will develop an understanding of both AI’s increasing potential and productivity but also its current limitations in terms of bias and error. Finally, you will learn to design with generative AI critically in order to mitigate against risks around privacy, transparency, accountability, unethical practices and the responsible use of AI in design projects.
The module will advance your skills:
Introducing design tools and software platforms that incorporate AI and emerging AI tools into the design workflow.
Using generative AI to produce creative outputs through design communication and development.
Critical AI output evaluation and incremental design improvement.
Employing AI as a speculative tool at different stages of the design process.
Discussing how AI can be leveraged to enhance user experiences and address user needs more effectively.
Through this module, you will develop the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to thrive as designers in an increasingly AI-driven and technologically advanced world.
How will I learn on this module?
This is a research/enquiry-based module. On this module you will be learning experientially by using AI tools to explore a design space. There will be weekly studio sessions which will provide lectures, workshops and one to one time with your tutor.
You will specify your own research topic and work with AI to:
Identify a research question.
Explore and evaluate ethical problems and challenges.
Use AI tools to develop scenarios, personas and design fiction.
Use AI image generators to ideate, sketch and develop designs (2D and/or 3D).
Use AI video and voice generators to animate and showcase designs.
Use AI tools to simulate and evaluate the design solutions.
Your design solutions may take the form of design fictions or prototypes by exploring unconventional approaches and pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
Your process will be documented in a video essay.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Module tutors will provide support through timetable studio sessions. You will have open access to a dedicated studio equipped with computing resources. We encourage a studio culture where you will provide peer support to other students in a creative and supportive environment.
The module will begin with a comprehensive briefing session and followed by weekly studio sessions where you will have access to continuous feedback on your progress. Individual workshops will provide structured ways to develop your ideas and approaches based on the set of practical classes which will enable you to learn effective AI techniques to ideate, produce design proposals, perform iterations and final project outputs both as still images or in video format. You will present your work in progress to the tutor and peers for feedback halfway through the module.
You will be provided with an OpenAI subscription so you will have continual access to cutting edge AI tools so that you can develop your ideas in the studio and at home.
You will also have access to the ZeroOneTwo maker lab with facilities such as 3D printers and electronics platforms.
Real world participation in the studio environment is strongly encouraged but it will also be possible to access the module through online remote participation.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding (K&U):
Understand the history of AI and the current state of the art.
Evaluate the current limitations of AI with understandings of unexpected behaviour and errors.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities (IPSA):
Apply generative AI tools in creative, iterative design and communication.
Manage your individual and teamwork responsibilities effectively.
Personal Values Attributes (PVA) (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity):
Critically evaluate ethical issues around the use of AI and responsible design.
How will I be assessed?
This is a graded module.
Summative assessment will take place at the end of the set project through:
An individual viva based on your project of block 3 as a video essay (up to 5 min in length) to demonstrate the interpretation of design with AI development process evidencing your reflections and project outputs. It will also include the individual choice and justification of the proposed study for the Major product design Project / Thesis in block 4.
Specific submission requirements will be available on the module brief.
You will benefit from verbal formative feedback during weekly timetabled sessions and at key stages of the design development process.
This module is exempt from the Anonymous Marking Policy. The nature of working closely and directly with the students in teams makes anonymity unfeasible.
Formative assessment will take place through on-going dialogue in individual or group work, project supervision, assignment discussions and tutorials throughout the course of the module.
Pre-requisite(s)
DE7037, DE7038, DE7039, DE7040
Co-requisite(s)
DE7044
Module abstract
AI is driving a design revolution! The AI revolution, like any revolution, will probably not turn out in quite the way that anyone expects. It is likely to change not just the way we work but perhaps also whether we can work at all. Design is one of the highly skilled occupations which is being transformed by AI which can help designers at every stage of research and development. This module teaches the basics of working with generative AI tools and aims to develop your practical skills to think creatively and innovatively when designing with AI, exploring unconventional approaches and pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
Course info
Credits 20
Level of Study Postgraduate
Mode of Study 1 year Full Time
Department Northumbria School of Design, Arts and Creative Industries
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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