CREATIVITY AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN DESIGN

Abstract

This article examines the evolving relationship between creativity and artificial intelligence in design by analysing how artificial intelligence tools influence creative work within designer-led processes across design domains. A semi-systematic literature review of 67 studies maps artificial intelligence contributions to idea generation, decision-making, and concep-tual exploration across stages of the design process. Findings inform a functional taxonomy grouping tools by creative support roles, stimulus generation, optimisation, evaluation, and hybrid workflow support, prioritising situated use over technological typologies. Recurring challenges include dependence on automated outputs, interface-driven shifts in ideation strategies and reduced diversity of exploration. The taxonomy enables assessment of how artificial intelligence contributes to ideation and refinement, informing research, education, and professional practice concerned with exploratory breadth, diversity, and workflow efficiency.