The rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems, such as ChatGPT, into academic settings, has revolutionized how students engage with their tasks, ranging from brainstorming to research and writing. While these tools significantly enhance efficiency, they also present challenges concerning student autonomy, critical thinking, and decision-making. This study aims to address these challenges by exploring how AI can empower design students, fostering autonomy through improved control, engagement, and decision-making in academic workflows.

The research adopts a structured, multi-phase methodology based on VSD, incorporating interviews, workshops, and iterative design evaluations to achieve this. Key insights emerged about how design students interact with AI, revealing opportunities and limitations. Central to the study is applying autonomy-related values—aligning AI tools with users’ real intentions, avoiding misleading communication, and enabling users to adjust outputs effectively. These values informed the design and evaluation of four conceptual features: Off-Topic Adjustment, Prompt Guide, Dictionary, and CardNote.

The findings demonstrate that features like Off-Topic Adjustment and CardNote align with users’ intentions, helping them focus on critical topics, streamline discussions, and improve clarity. The Dictionary reduces misunderstandings, while the Prompt Guide supports brainstorming but requires refinement to enhance specificity and advanced user guidance. Limitations in scalability and manual adjustments expand the diversity of user interaction but highlight the need for automated and adaptive functionalities at the same time.

This study underscores the importance of human-centered AI systems that enhance student autonomy, transforming AI from passive assistants into active collaborators. Future recommendations include automated content prioritization, context-aware responses, and improved visual feedback to reinforce usability. By addressing these aspects, AI systems can better inspire students, fostering a proactive learning environment and promoting autonomy in academic tasks. This thesis contributes to a broader understanding of designing novel interaction AI systems that support ethical and empowering educational experiences.