[Re]Producing Gendered Space and the Male Gaze: Experimentation With AI Image Generation in an Interior Design Studio

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Published: Apr 3, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.14434/ijdl.v17i1.41668
Keywords:
digital literacy, artificial intelligence in education, feminist methodology, interior design
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Design Cases
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Barbara Young
Purdue University
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4621-3506

Abstract

The Midjourney Artificial Intelligence (AI) image- generating tool was introduced to students in a senior interior design studio for early ideation. It was employed on a competition project, which required a two-week timeline from research to presentation. Midjourney was used to rapidly translate concept ideas, atmospheres, and keywords into images for use as inspiration. The project topic was to create a mental health respite space on the students’ university campus. The end results for the project were promising, but a collection of generated images representing gender and stereotypes made it clear that I needed to integrate intentional analysis of text-to-image software and strengthen of visual literacy in design students when introducing image generators.

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How to Cite
Young, B. (2026). [Re]Producing Gendered Space and the Male Gaze: Experimentation With AI Image Generation in an Interior Design Studio. International Journal of Designs for Learning, 17(1), 14–27. https://doi.org/10.14434/ijdl.v17i1.41668
Author Biography

Barbara Young, Purdue University

Barb Young is an assistant professor of interior design in the Patti & Rusty Rueff School of Design, Art, and Performance. Young is an educator dedicated to instilling the positive impact interior design contributes to people and places through evidence-based, socially responsible process. Her research interests include exploring participatory design process for community environments through interdisciplinary practice and community engagement. She brings extensive teaching experience in interior design to Purdue from the University of Kentucky and Indiana University, where she served as a senior lecturer.

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