The integration of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) in higher education is reshaping teaching methodologies, particularly in disciplines that emphasize creativity and problem-solving. This study examines the impact of GAI on Design Thinking education, analyzing its role in idea generation, prototyping efficiency, teamwork dynamics, and critical thinking development.

We conducted a quasi-experimental study comparing three groups of students in a university-level Design Thinking course:

(1) A control group from previous cohorts spanning 10 years who completed the course without GAI;
(2) An experimental group from the 2023-24 academic year, which was the first cohort to integrate GAI into the course;
(3) A second experimental group from the current 2024-25 academic year, using an enhanced AI-supported methodology based on previous findings.

While the control group spans a period prior to widespread GAI implementation, we acknowledge that tools like ChatGPT became publicly available in late 2022. However, all sessions in the control group were delivered in person and conducted without digital devices (laptops or mobile phones), ensuring minimal exposure to GAI and preserving the integrity of the control condition.

The study evaluates student projects and performance data to examine differences in idea originality, problem definition, and teamwork dynamics. Findings suggest that students using GAI generate more innovative ideas, articulate problems more clearly, and develop higher-quality prototypes. Nonetheless, challenges emerged: collaboration declined in AI-assisted groups as students relied more on AI prompts than on group discussion, and critical evaluation of AI-generated content became essential.

This study contributes to the discussion on how GAI can serve as a co-creative partner in learning, rather than replacing human ingenuity. Results offer insights for educators, designers, and policymakers on how to integrate AI meaningfully in creativity-driven education. Further research is needed on the long-term cognitive and collaborative impacts of AI-assisted learning.

Keywords: Generative artificial intelligence (GAI), higher education, design thinking, collaborative learning, creativity and innovation, ai-assisted learning, emerging technologies in education, problem-solving in education, human-AI collaboration, critical thinking and AI.