New Kean University Course is Redefining Design Education Through AI Innovation

A new AI & Design course at Kean University is transforming how students approach graphic design by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) directly into the creative process.  

Sahil Patel, Kean’s graphic design program coordinator, is leading the way with a hands-on curriculum that positions students at the forefront of the industry. 

“It’s important to stay ahead of the curve, not chase it,” said Patel, who is part of Kean’s Robert Busch School of Design in Michael Graves College. “Kean’s leadership in innovation and AI reflects how the University is committed to preparing students for what’s next.” 

Patel’s course takes an interactive and forward-thinking approach to design education, built on years of research into open-source AI tools and their creative applications. Students learn to use AI for rapid prototyping, text prompting, iterative design, storyboarding, social media content creation, and more. Additional courses are also integrating AI into their coursework to ensure students continue to learn in different ways. 

“Integrating courses like this into our curriculum is vital as AI is beginning to reshape how designers think, create and communicate,” said David Mohney, dean of Kean’s Michael Graves College. “This course ensures our students are not only fluent in emerging technologies but ready to help shape the future of creative industries.” 

Students use cutting-edge AI programs to generate high-quality images, motion graphics and video content, gaining valuable experience and building portfolios that set them apart in the design field. 

“We're going to have a leg up when applying for jobs just because we know how to use AI,” said senior graphic design major Daniel Huaracallo. “What we're creating is high-level, and employers are going to be impressed with the speed we can design, because we can have things done within minutes. The graphic design field is extremely fast paced and the help of AI in that workflow is critical.” 

One major assignment in the course challenges students to design full advertising campaigns, projects that would traditionally require a large creative team. With AI tools and strategic instruction, they now produce professional-level results on their own. 

“I've uncovered that whatever I imagine, I can create,” said Athena Kuszaj, senior graphic design major. “There are no more boundaries. It's another tool that enables us to work 10 times faster and get even higher-quality results.” 

Patel developed the course in response to AI’s growing role in higher education and everyday life. By integrating AI-driven design practices, students can accelerate creative workflows, strengthen brand alignment and deliver production-ready results. He emphasized that understanding AI is no longer optional but essential. 

“AI has become so widespread, that it’s reshaping how we teach and learn,” Patel said. “It helps digest information, reframe ideas and even assist designers in writing copy or refining creative concepts. This is not a passing trend or fad. AI is here to stay, and we need to learn to adapt to it.”