Trusting the Unknown

This study investigates why the design community is willing to use generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools even though they are aware of the tools’ ethical and functional limitations, including the risk of perpetuating racial and gender biases. While these flaws raise concerns about the trustworthiness of AI in both professional and educational design settings, many users still express optimism and a desire to integrate these tools into their future practice. Preliminary survey data reveal a general openness towards AI among designers and students, suggesting that its creative potential may outweigh concerns for some users. To better understand this complex relationship, interviews and collaborative pairing exercises were performed, aiming to uncover the deeper attitudes, values, and expectations that influence designers’ acceptance of AI. The findings will contribute to the development of a design solution as part of the author's ongoing PhD research. This solution is intended to help educators, current professionals, and future designers engage more critically and responsibly with generative AI technologies, integrating ethical awareness into design education and practice.