AI-Enhanced Visual Design Education: A Case Study of Chinese Tiger Symbolism

Abstract

This study examines how generative artificial intelligence (AI) can be integrated into visual design education through a heritage-based learning project focused on Chinese tiger symbolism. Rather than treating AI as a simple image-generation tool, the study investigates its pedagogical role in supporting students’ creative exploration, cultural interpretation, and critical reflection during the design process.
A qualitative case study was conducted in a university-level visual design course involving 24 undergraduate students. During a practice-based project, students used generative AI tools, including MidJourney, Stable Diffusion, and ChatGPT, to explore, generate, and refine visual representations of Chinese tiger symbolism. Data were collected through reflective journals, focus group discussions, design artefacts, and classroom observations, and were analyzed thematically.