SEED AI as a Learning Companion: Embedding Regenerative Thinking in Early-Stage Design Pedagogy

Design studios often reward speed and surface appeal over social and ecological alignment. This presentation offers a conceptual and practice-oriented approach that combines the Social and Ecological Engagement in Design (SEED) framework with the SEED AI learning companion to structure reflective, systems-based thinking in support of regenerative aims at the outset of the design process. The session articulates a conceptual model for positioning AI as a reflective partner that helps clarify intent, expands context, and captures reasoning during early ideation. The aim is to demonstrate the roles AI can play in creative dialogue and the design principles that keep attention on people, place and planet, delivered via a lightweight activation layer suitable for short classroom or studio activities. Responsible AI use is guided through privacy and academic integrity notes, with AI framed as a scaffold for critical thinking. No student data or evaluation results are presented. Instead, testable propositions for future inquiry are introduced and colleagues are invited to apply and adapt the approach in their contexts. The contribution is a clear, transferable framing for regenerative ideation supported by an openly accessible, functioning prototype suited to studio and educational settings. The work aligns with the conference focus on pedagogy and technology in practice, ecological and digital literacy, and community engagement.