Design Education and PracticeAI in Service InteractionsTechnology Use by Older Adults

Jeannine Vail, Chanjuan Chen

2026.4.7Design Journal

DOI: 10.1080/14606925.2026.2654047

Abstract

With the growth of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) in the design profession, there is an urgent need for educators to implement GAI in the curriculum to better prepare design students for the rapidly evolving industry. Using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), a case study of undergraduate fashion and interior design students explores their perceptions, motivation and adoption of GAI into their design process. Findings reveal enhanced creativity in early design stages and expose communication and functionality challenges. The study proposes adoption determinants to extend TAM for GAI in design pedagogy and offers insights for curricula development. The study is limited to a small sample of 34 students and focuses on a single university across two design programs. Future research would benefit from a larger, multidisciplinary participant pool.

Citation format

VAIL, Jeannine; CHEN, Chanjuan. Using the technology acceptance model to examine generative AI integration in creative design education: A case study of fashion and interior design studios. Design Journal, 2026: 1–22.