Human in the Loop AI Design using the Five Design-Sheets method: Supporting Reflective Visualisation and Rapid Design

Abstract

The Five Design Sheets (FDS) methodology develops strong design thinking through five stages across five sheets, progressing from multiple ideas on Sheet 1 to three refined alternatives and a final design. However, producing a full Sheet 1 often takes over an hour to sketch, which is too long for a typical class. This work explores how generative AI can do the heavy lifting of sketching while the student stays in control of the thinking, critique and final decisions. We present a prompt framework that gives AI the FDS knowledge it needs, investigate it across three current AI models, and outline an early classroom workflow in which the student remains the designer. Our early results suggest that structured prompting substantially improves the quality and structure of AI-generated FDS sheets —and that the structured brief, not the choice of model, drives the improvement. We report this as early work in progress.