AID in IAD conference.

As part of NTU’s AID in IAD conference in early 2023, Ian Campbell Cole, and I shared the outcomes of a weeklong AI design sprint in a conference presentation, highlighting how events like VDW can play a key role in integrating generative AI into design education—helping students stay ahead of emerging tools while developing their creative and professional practice. The week-long event at Nottingham Trent University explored the intersection of product design and AI. Vertical Design Week (VDW) combined hands-on workshops, guest talks, and collaborative projects to introduce students to AI text-to-image diffusion tools in a creative, practical setting.

The focus was on boosting confidence, expanding ideation skills, and showing how AI can unlock new directions in early-stage design. With a strong emphasis on group work, accessibility, and hybrid delivery, the week created an inclusive space for experimentation and learning.