Abstract
This study investigates the essential role of AI-generated Visual Storytelling (VS) as an analytical and interactive tool within STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) in design education. Additionally, the study also explores the potential of VS as a meaning-making tool transcending mere art and visualization. There is potential in incorporating designerly methods into scientific solutions, creating opportunities for innovation. At the same time, traditional BID (Bio-inspired Design) processes deal with more technical explorations and suffer from representation, making it difficult for students to move beyond the literal scientific illustrations and diagrams. Innovation and connection between design and science require more interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary inclusion in education. An exercise was introduced as part of the design process in a BID course, wherein students were guided to make VS by selecting appropriate ideas from their initial ideation phase. By analyzing five student works, the study examines the critical disconnect between biological input and visual representation. It further identifies the conscious use of visual storytelling by examining the visual attributes and their associated meanings, which simultaneously allows students to connect design outcomes with complex scientific phenomena. Findings of this study indicate that the use of AI in making VS helps students transition from merely imitating nature to finding solutions and incorporating nature into their design processes. The study concludes that VS is not only a representation technique but also can act as a pedagogical bridge between biological ideas and human-centric approaches.
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© 2026 The Authors
Recommended Citation
Malkani, Kriti and Paul, Arunita, "Synthesizing AI in STEAM: Visual Storytelling (VS) as a Meaning-Making Connector Between Bio-Inspired Design (BID) and Creative Expression" (2026). The Interdisciplinary Journal for Research on Pedagogy and Learning Design, Vol. 1, Issue 1., Fall 2026. 8.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/ijrpld/8
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License