A Study on Temporal Evolution in Design Competencies and Decision-Making Styles: Focused on Literature Review and Expert Validation Before and After GAI

The transition toward artificial intelligence (AI) is redefining the designer’s role from outcome oriented production to judgment based problem solving. This study examines the evolution of academic discourse on designer competencies and decision-making in the era of generative AI. Using a systematic literature review and content analysis of 43 journal articles and theses published between 1990 and 2026, the study compares three periods: pre-AI, transitional, and post-AI. The findings show that foundational competencies such as problem framing, research, and strategic thinking remain central across all periods, while competencies related to AI literacy and tool use have increased after the diffusion of generative AI. In contrast, visual expression competencies appeared less frequently in recent discourse. In terms of decision-making, greater emphasis was placed on tool selection and the evaluation of AI-generated outcomes. This study interprets designer competencies in relation to decision-making processes and discusses the changing role of designers in the AI era.