Developing skills for working with generative neural networks among students of creative major disciplines
https://doi.org/10.32517/0234-0453-2026-41-2-32-43
Abstract
The research presented in the article continues the academic discussion on the integration of generative neural network models into the educational process, and their impact on established practices within the Russian higher education system. Over recent years, a substantial body of research has emerged, focusing on interaction with these algorithms in the context of scientific and applied tasks. However, the impact of artificial intelligence on educational programs for creative disciplines, which predominantly have a practice-oriented and project-based nature, is rarely addressed.
The article summarizes two years of project-based teaching experience with students from the Institute of Media and the School of Design at the National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE University), aimed at developing their skills in interacting with graphic and language-based neural network models (Midjourney, Stable Diffusion, etc.). Through the implementation of educational programs, the necessity emerged to equip students with specific prompt engineering competencies, as well as to structure the workflow with generative algorithms and foster interdisciplinary cooperation. Particular attention is paid to applying an object-oriented approach and the “Double Diamond” creative design model, which help rationally distribute roles between human and algorithm, enhance creative design effectiveness, and preserve the leading role of the human in decision-making processes.
Additionally, the article addresses methodological aspects of documenting and identifying schemes for interaction with neural networks that facilitate result reproducibility and teamwork skills development. Introducing these approaches into the educational process not only equips students to become competitive specialists in the rapidly evolving technological context but also contributes to democratizing creative labor by lowering barriers to creating complex media products.
About the Authors
S. V. MilovidovRussian Federation
Stanislav V. Milovidov, Candidate of Sciences (Art and Design), Associate Professor, Programme Track Supervisor “Experimental Formats and Innovative Media Strategies“, Institute of Media
Moscow
V. A. Bulgakov
Russian Federation
Vadim A. Bulgakov, Programme Track Supervisor “Digital Product and Artificial Intelligence“, Head of the Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Art and Design School
Moscow
References
1. Zhang R., He J., Luo X., Niyato D., Kang J., Xiong Z., Li Y., Sikdar B. Toward democratized generative AI in next-generation mobile edge networks. IEEE Network. 2025;39(6):251–260. DOI: 10.1109/mnet.2025.3541078.
2. Galkin D. V., Konovalova K. V., Bobkov S. P. Towards the problem of automated creativity in arts and design: Instrumental and generative approach. Tomsk State University Journal of Cultural Studies and Art History. 2021;44:14–24. (In Russian.) DOI: 10.17223/22220836/44/2. EDN: TGVRXH.
3. Bubeck S., Chandrasekaran V., Eldan R., et al. Sparks of artificial general intelligence: Early experiments with GPT-4. arXiv. 2023:1–155. DOI: 10.48550/arXiv.2303.12712.
4. Hunter N. The art of prompt engineering with ChatGPT: GPT-4, plugins & DALL-E 3. ChatGPT Trainings; 2023. 151 p.
5. Hunter N. Building consistent characters with Midjourney and ChatGPT: Unlocking the power of visual sto-rytelling. ChatGPT Trainings; 2023. 57 p.
6. Shamaeva I. Advanced styles and insights with Midjourney: Imagine beautiful AI prompts. Berkeley, Apress; 2024. 206 p. DOI: 10.1007/979-8-8688-0336-9
7. Zhou Y. Prompt design patterns: Mastering the art and science of prompt engineering. ArgoLong Publishing; 2023. 454 p.
8. Zashikhina I. M. Scientific article writing: Will Chat-GPT help? Higher Education in Russia. 2023;32(8–9):24–47. (In Russian.) DOI: 10.31992/0869-3617-2023-32-8-9-24-47. EDN: JPFYUJ.
9. Valkova J. E. Using artificial intelligence technologies to prepare and compose scientific articles. Informatics and Education. 2024;39(6):38–52. (In Russian.) DOI: 10.32517/0234-0453-2024-39-6-38-52. EDN: OFVOAD.
10. Drugova E., Zhuravleva I., Zakharova U., Sotnikova V., Yakovleva K. Artificial intelligence for learning analytics and instructional design steps: An overview of solutions. Educational Studies Moscow. 2022;4:107–153. (In Russian.) DOI: 10.17323/1814-9545-2022-4-107-153. EDN: BYFFFX.
11. Yiwen G. Using large language models to develop skills in analyzing media context in students of philological specialties. Informatics and Education. 2024;39(6):82–96. (In Russian.) DOI: 10.32517/0234-0453-2024-39-6-82-96. EDN: UACTDH.
12. Zhikulina Ch. P., Kostromina V. V. Computational creativity of neural network Midjourney in a polymodal space. Litera. 2024;6:1–16. (In Russian.) DOI: 10.25136/2409-8698.2024.6.70890. EDN: COCFNP.
13. Orwig W., Bellaiche L., Spooner S., Vo A., Baig Z., Ragnhildstveit A., Schacter D. L., Barr N., Seli P. Using AI to generate visual art: Do individual differences in creativity predict AI-Assisted art quality? Creativity Research Journal. 2024;38(1):242–253. DOI: 10.1080/10400419.2024.2440691.
14. Chi-Wei Lee. Application of generative artificial intelligence in design education: An exploration and analysis to enhance student creativity. Engineering Proceedings. 2025;98(1):29. DOI: 10.3390/engproc2025098029.
15. Naumycheva I. G. AI art & design processes 2025: Strategy for working in the era of intelligent tools: a methodological guide. Belgorod, Agency for Advanced Scientific Research; 2025. 56 p. (In Russian.)
16. Guilford J. P. Creativity. American Psychologist. 1950;5:444–454. DOI: 10.1037/h0063487.
17. Booch G., Maksimchuk R. A., Engle M. W., Young B. J., Conallen J., Houston K. A. Object-oriented analysis and design with applications. Boston, Addison-Wesley; 2007. 691 p.
18. White J., Fu Q., Hays S., Sandborn M., Olea C., Gilbert H., Elnashar A., Spencer-Smith J., Schmidt D. С. A prompt pattern catalog to enhance prompt engineering with ChatGPT. arXiv. 2023:1–19. DOI: 10.48550/arX-iv.2302.11382.
19. Koivisto M., Grassini S. Best humans still outperform artificial intelligence in a creative divergent thinking task. Scientific Reports. 2023;13:13601. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40858-3.
20. Hubert K. F., Awa K. N., Zabelina D. L. The current state of artificial intelligence generative language models is more creative than humans on divergent thinking tasks. Scientific Reports. 2024;14:3440. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53303-w.
21. Galkin D. V., Weng W. The role of generative artificial intelligence in modern design: Theoretical considerations. Tomsk State University Journal of Cultural Studies and Art History. 2025;57:25–39. (In Russian.) DOI: 10.17223/22220836/57/3. EDN: BDDQSS.
22. Fadeeva T. E., Staruseva-Persheeva A. D. Generative practices in creative industries: The phygital aspect of artistic design. Burganov House. The Space of Culture. 2023;19(3):79–89. (In Russian.) DOI: 10.36340/2071-6818-2023-19-3-79-89. EDN: ZSBIIG.
23. Shomova S. A., Kachkaeva A. G. Between charm and fright: Dialogue with the “other”. An analysis of AI practices in professional and everyday life. Monitoring of Public Opinion: Economic and Social Changes. 2024;5(183):3–17. (In Russian.) DOI: 10.14515/monitoring.2024.5.2766. EDN: YVQHAJ.
24. Atkinson D. P., Barker D. R. AI and the social construction of creativity. Convergence. 2023;29(4):1054–1069. DOI: 10.1177/13548565231187730.
25. Brinkmann L., Baumann F., Bonnefon J. F., et al. Machine culture. Nature Human Behaviour. 2023;7:1855–1868. DOI: 10.1038/s41562-023-01742-2.
26. Rezaev A. V., Tregubova N. D. ChatGPT and AI in the universities: An introduction to the near future. Higher Education in Russia. 2023;32(6):19–37. (In Russian.) DOI: 10.31992/0869-3617-2023-32-6-19-37. EDN: GZJZIJ.
Review
For citations:
Milovidov S.V., Bulgakov V.A. Developing skills for working with generative neural networks among students of creative major disciplines. Informatics and education. 2026;41(2):32-43. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.32517/0234-0453-2026-41-2-32-43
JATS XML























