Ideation and reflective design

The application of generative AI, GAI to design ideation raises the question what is the imapact of GAI on reflective design. That is, designers typically reflect on their actions, both during the design process ("thinking on one's feet") and after it, in what Schön calls reflection-in-action and reflection-on-action (The Reflective Practitioner, 1984). Moreover, reflective design, which implies critically thinking about the design process, suggests that designers need to reflect on the unconscious ways in how technology, such as GAI shape designers'  decision making, actions, and design proposals. For example, what is the impact of GAI, such as communication with a text-to-text model or text-to-image model, on designer ability to uncover hidden biases or limitations on design practice. In Reflective Design (Sengers et al, 2005) the authors argue, when designing with technology: 'Each person has preconceived notions shaped by their personal journey and that affects their practice as a designer. Thus, one needs to unpack personal ideologies and determine how they influence the reflective design processes.' Moreover, the authors state: 'Technology shouldn’t be viewed as the optimal medium for design; technology imposes its own set of constraints and values to its users which should be addressed.' The notion of the reflective practitioner, and reflective design, then, serve as a guide for designers in the age of AI too.