This study investigates the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) feedback on critical thinking in design education. Employing a mixed-methods approach, 70 undergraduate design students participated in a three-week intervention. The experimental group utilized AI-assisted feedback tools, while the control group engaged in traditional teaching methods. Results indicated a significant improvement in critical thinking for the experimental group (p < 0.05). Qualitative analysis uncovered themes highlighting AI’s role in fostering reflective thinking and enhancing problem-solving skills. These findings suggest that integrating AI tools in design education can effectively cultivate higher-order thinking skills, essential for today’s complex design challenges. The study underscores the importance of structured cognitive support in enhancing students’ critical thinking and offers evidence-based recommendations for educators. With potential limitations noted, such as sample size and reliance on self-reporting, further research is recommended to explore the efficacy of AI in diverse educational contexts.
Keywords: AI feedback, critical thinking, design education, mixed-methods study.
