Students’ Awareness and Perception of AI Integration in Packaging Design and Marketing: A Classroom-Based Case Study

Abstract

The rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools into creative and commercial industries necessitates a corresponding shift in higher education curricula. This paper presents a classroom-based case study investigating engineering students' awareness and perception of AI integration within a "Packaging Design and Technology" course at a technical university. The project required students to design a sustainable chip package and execute a TikTok marketing campaign, explicitly mandating the use of AI tools across the entire workflow; from ideation and graphic design to content creation and campaign strategy. Through surveys, analysis of the project brief, AI workflow examples, and a review of contemporary literature, this study establishes a framework for evaluating student AI literacy, ethical awareness, and perceived impact on creativity and efficiency. Preliminary findings suggest that structured, mandatory integration of AI in project-based learning is a critical pedagogical approach for bridging the skills gap between academic training and industry demands in the converging fields of design, engineering, and marketing.