As part of the European project AIDEA – Artificial Intelligence for a New Design Education Approach, funded by the Erasmus+ Programme, the Faculty of Design (FD) successfully organised three national focus group sessions between 4 June and 9 July 2026. These activities represent one of the key milestones of Work Package 2 – Mapping and Trends Definition.
The national focus groups brought together students, higher education educators, and representatives of companies and professional organisations to discuss the impact of artificial intelligence on the future of design. Using a common set of discussion questions, participants explored the growing role of AI in design practice and education, identifying emerging opportunities, challenges, and future development needs associated with its increasing adoption.
The focus groups included the participation of Anže Turk, Nejc Kutnar, Sandra Špan, Trina Kralj, Assist. Prof. Mateja Š. Dimic, M.A., Senior Lecturer Petra Kocjančič, Assist. Prof. Domen Lo, together with representatives of partner organisations: Erika Valentinčič, M.Sc. (Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia – Wood Industry Cluster), Zarja Vintar (Designers Society of Slovenia / Kofein Dizajn Ltd.), and Mitja Košak, M.Sc. (Solos Ltd.). The focus group discussions were successfully facilitated by Asst. Prof. Aleš Lipnik, PhD.
Participants reflected on their perceptions of artificial intelligence, its current application in creative, educational, and business processes, and its potential to enhance the design process. Particular attention was given to the challenges AI poses to the design profession, including ethical considerations, copyright and intellectual property issues, the preservation of human creativity, and the role of traditional craftsmanship—referred to in the project as the “Intelligence of the Hand.” Discussions also addressed the broader societal implications of AI, such as accessibility, cultural bias, and environmental impact, while identifying the competencies, knowledge, and infrastructure required for the successful integration of AI into higher education in design.
The outcomes of these focus groups represent an important contribution to the research phase of the AIDEA project. The findings will be incorporated into the Slovenian National Report, which, together with reports from the partner countries, will provide the foundation for the development of the Manifesto for Collective AI Design, as well as new teaching methodologies, educational tools, and recommendations for integrating artificial intelligence into design education across Europe.
The Slovenian National Report will be publicly presented on 21 September 2026 at the Faculty of Design during the international workshop “The Strategic Value of Design Rights: Turning Protected Design into Competitiveness and Growth.” The event is organised by the Faculty of Design in cooperation with the Bureau of European Design Associations (BEDA) and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) as part of the accompanying programme of the prestigious DesignEuropa Awards 2026.
By connecting education, research, and industry, the AIDEA project contributes to the development of a forward-looking model of design education that balances the potential of artificial intelligence with human creativity, ethical responsibility, and sustainable innovation.
More info: https://aideaproject.com/
