Exploring the impact of generative artificial intelligence on enhancing digital design thinking skills and academic creativity among university students

This study aimed to explore the relationship between the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and the enhancement of digital design thinking skills and academic creativity among university students. With the rapid development of AI technologies, this research addresses a critical gap in understanding how generative AI can be harnessed in higher education to develop essential 21st-century competencies. A descriptive-analytical approach was used to investigate the impact of generative AI on a sample of 57 students from the College of Education at King Khalid University. A validated scale consisting of 32 items was applied across three dimensions: the use of generative AI, digital design thinking skills, and academic creativity. Statistical analyses included means, standard deviations, analysis of variance, and Pearson's correlation coefficient. The results revealed a high level of generative AI use among students, with corresponding high levels of digital design thinking and academic creativity. The study also found significant positive correlations between the use of generative AI and digital design thinking skills (r = 0.538, p < 0.01) and academic creativity (r = 0.600, p < 0.01). Notably, students with high technological proficiency demonstrated significantly greater benefits in all areas assessed. The results confirm the transformative potential of generative AI in enhancing students' creativity and problem-solving abilities. The study highlights that proficiency in digital technologies increases the effectiveness of AI tools in educational contexts. The study recommends the integration of generative AI into pedagogical frameworks to support innovation-based learning. Higher education institutions should also integrate generative AI applications into curricula, provide targeted training for faculty and students, and establish ethical guidelines to regulate the use of AI. These initiatives will foster critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability skills that are critical in the digital economy.