Leveraging Design Thinking and Generative AI to Transform TPC Pedagogy

Abstract

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) has taken the world by storm and reached an inflection point in 2023 with the release of several influential large language models, most notably the open source ChatGPT-3 and 4 by OpenAI. Generative AI technologies can instantly produce multimodal content, impacting many disciplines that were previously considered immune to automation. Technical and Professional Communication (TPC) industry and pedagogy stand to be profoundly transformed by generative AI, necessitating new ways of thinking, teaching, and learning. In this article, we call on TPC educators to consider incorporating generative AI tools into their curriculum to serve as a powerful tool in the teaching and practice of design thinking. Furthermore, we postulate that generative AI can prepare students for the rapidly changing work landscape dominated by AI technologies Drawing from our experience of teaching undergraduate TPC courses for engineering majors, we provide examples of leveraging generative AI technology, such as ChatGPT, to facilitate students’ deeper understanding of the design thinking process. Our intent is to raise awareness of generative AI potential, stimulate further research, and improve opportunities in TCP pedagogy and programmatic development.