Supervising Practice-Led Heuristic PhD Projects Integrating Creative Intuition and Artificial Intelligence

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24135/link-praxis.v3i1.49
Keywords: Artificial intelligence, artistic research, heuristic inquiry, PhD supervision, practice-led research

Abstract

Heuristic inquiry, rooted in experiential and iterative exploration, plays a central role for both artistic research and artificial intelligence (AI) research. This article provides a guide for supervising PhD projects that incorporate heuristic inquiry in their creative and computational transdisciplinary contexts. Drawing on transdisciplinary literature and research examples, it addresses how supervisors can support students through to approach AI for their creative projects with an informed approach. Key topics include embracing uncertainty, heuristic iteration, intuitive problem-solving, supporting interdisciplinary learning, and navigating the epistemological challenges using heuristic methods. By mapping structural and methodological convergences between artistic and AI domains, this article aims to equip supervisors with adaptable tools to nurture complex, innovative, and practice-led doctoral projects.

Author Biographies

Hossein Najafi, Hong Kong Polytechnic University of Technology

Hossein Najafi is an media, animation, visual effects and drawing Associate Professor of Practice at School of Design in Hong Kong Polytechnic University. He is a practicing artist, and a researcher specializing in design, creativity, practice-led and heuristic research. After founding a production studio and working with various companies in London, Istanbul and Auckland, he brought a wealth of industry experience to his academic career.  Hossein holds a PhD in Art and Design and in his doctoral thesis, he investigated identity loss and transition through Persian illuminationist approaches that interfaced with heuristics. Hossein is recently researching on the creative heuristic processes in AI models.

Marcos Mortensen Steagall, Auckland University of Technology

Marcos Mortensen Steagall is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Design at Auckland University of Technology (AUT). In his research and professional pursuits, Dr. Mortensen Steagall explores the intersection of visual semiotics and practice-oriented methodologies in Art, Design, Communication, and Technology. His artistic practice, primarily centred on lens-based and digital image-making, serves as a method for knowledge production.  Dr. Mortensen Steagall's work is characterised by an interdisciplinary approach that merges academic research with artistic practice, highlighting the significance of embracing diverse cultural narratives and knowledge systems in Design. Additionally, he is the editor of the academic journal LINK Praxis and chairs the LINK International Conference, focusing on Practice-led Research and the Global South.

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Published
2025-06-17
Issue
Vol. 3 No. 1 (2025): Between two worlds: A Southern perspective of design practice
Section
Articles

Copyright (c) 2025 Hossein Najafi; Marcos Mortensen Steagall (Translator)

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