Human-AI Collaboration in Interior Design Education: GPT-Assisted Creativity and Innovation

How AI tools, specifically prompt-based image generators, can be used in interior design education to support early-stage concept development has been under explored. To address this, we conducted an exploration of the role of AI in interior design practices. Our study focused on how these tools can assist, rather than replace, students in generating spatial ideas. The research involved a case study with 20 interior design students across different academic levels who engaged with a GPT-based interior design assistant and a custom-designed worksheet to explore design prompts and reflect on their process. The study highlights the importance of interpretation, adaptability, and critical thinking when working with AI-generated outputs. Findings suggest that integrating AI into interior design education can help students build essential 21st-century competencies such as creative confidence, visual ideation, and digital literacy. The conclusion of this paper shows how human-AI collaboration can be ethically and effectively embedded in design studio teaching, offering insight into the evolving role of the designer in AI-supported creative processes.