2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

As AI technology continues to transform the workforce, equipping engineering students with the skills to effectively engage with AI tools has become increasingly essential. This work-in-progress study investigates how senior engineering students leverage AI-based learning tools, such as ChatGPT, in design projects and explores the need for integrating formal AI training into engineering curricula. The study is guided by two central research questions: (1) How does AI enhance students’ ability to navigate complex design processes and improve outcomes? (2) What are the perceived impacts of AI on students’ learning, skill development, and ethical considerations in engineering design?
Eighteen senior capstone students from three design project groups at a land-grant university in the western United States were selected and recruited through convenience sampling to participate in the study. The research team has successfully completed its preparatory stages, including IRB approval, securing informed consent, finalizing data collection instruments, and coordinating logistics for sessions with design project groups. Data were collected through open-ended survey questions and are currently being gathered via semi-structured focus group discussions, enabling an in-depth exploration of AI’s role in design approaches, problem-solving, and learning experiences. A thematic analysis of the transcribed discussions and responses to open-ended survey questions is expected to reveal patterns and insights into AI’s impact on design activities and the associated training needs. The combination of survey responses and focus group insights is expected to provide a comprehensive understanding of participants’ experiences and perceptions. The findings aim to inform engineering education by illustrating how AI tools can enhance design processes, support skill development, and address emerging industry demands.