AI as Praxis: Artificial Intelligence as a Method in Practice-led Research for Art and Design PhD Students

Abstract

This paper examines the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a methodological tool in practice-led PhD research, emphasizing its capacity to expand creative possibilities. AI’s generative and iterative capabilities allow PhD students to engage in new forms of creative inquiry, positioning AI not just as a technical tool but as a collaborator in the research process. Through its ability to generate, refine, and adapt creative outputs, AI enables students to explore and experiment with innovative ideas. This research will demonstrate how AI supports the essential cycles of creation and reflection that define practice-led methodologies, allowing students to navigate complex creative challenges with a more dynamic approach. The choice of practice-led research as the framework for this investigation is essential, as it provides the flexibility needed to integrate AI technologies. Practice-led methodologies encourage iterative processes of making, thinking, and re-evaluating, which align perfectly with AI’s evolving nature. Through this interaction, students can further the limits of traditional artistic inquiry, examining new methods of storytelling, design, and artistic creation. Supervisors play a crucial role in mentoring students through this process, guiding them to maintain academic rigor while exploring the creative potential AI offers. The paper will explore case studies where AI has been embedded in practice-led PhD research, demonstrating its transformative effects. By doing so, this research highlights how AI can enhance both the creative process and the academic inquiry, offering a forward-looking framework for integrating AI into practice-led PhD research across creative disciplines.