Our Design Program at Tec de Monterrey is progressively incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, further enhanced by Extended Realities (XR), into our pedagogical practice. This innovative consolidation primarily improves the conceptualization stage of the design process. As students mature in their design intelligence, they harness AI to iterate and visualize alternatives, enriching their decision-making discussions with various project stakeholders. This led to the swift creation of physical prototypes across three distinct categories, each with their unique briefs. Vizcom AI emerges as the most utilized tool, a 2D-rendering platform that refines outputs based on initial sketches and user prompts. Complementary tools aid in navigating the convergence of design and technology education, including VR modelling, AR, and electronic systems simulation. Collectively, these technologies accelerate the design process. However, it is worth noting a consequent limitation in the development of basic analog design abilities, especially affecting the understanding of space and spatial intelligence. Students reported their learning experience with these technologies, along with their expectations and concerns. As we continue integrating these technologies into design education, we have identified the opportunity of leveraging VR to enhance spatial intelligence comprehension, while preserving AI's benefits. This study acts a base to develop new teaching and learning practices that support our students' professional future in an evolving design landscape with these transformative technologies.
