“CASE STUDY: AI @ SCAD Year 2: AI Literacy, Design Innovation and Launchpads for Student IP” by Bartlett, Warburton and Crowell
Conference:
Type(s):
Title:
- CASE STUDY: AI @ SCAD Year 2: AI Literacy, Design Innovation and Launchpads for Student IP
Session/Category Title:
- Educator's Forum
Presenter(s)/Author(s):
Abstract:
In this talk, we will explore how Savannah College of Art and Design launched a cross-disciplinary AI incubation program, enabling their students to design, prototype, and commercialize AI-driven creative tools. We will explore how the development of a series of distinct learning systems enables students to bridge the technical and artistic gaps that exist within AI literacy at the institution, whilst also utilizing industry partnerships to create meaningful startup and IP launch opportunities. This talk will discuss how the integration of innovation jams, design hackathons and short, iterative learning experiences alongside formal credit-bearing 10-week classes provided the framework for students to ideate, develop and launch viable AI-powered products, tools, and solutions. This talk will also discuss how the Academic Solutions Team and Steering Group for the project ensured that the opportunities for AI literacy and product development extended beyond those disciplines and majors with established, pre-existing skill sets like Games Design, Visual Effects, and Computer Animation. The outcomes of the project intentionally provided opportunities for students studying in fields such as Interior Design, Fine Art, Preservation Design and Art History to also engage with this new curriculum and aligned learning infrastructure. Finally, we will explore how collaboration with external commercial partners is crucial to the success of this initiative- providing access to resources, expertise, and critical feedback at key milestones within both the strategic development of the wider project and for students engaged in the classes and shorter learning opportunities.
