The rapid diffusion of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is reshaping learning practices in higher education. While existing research has primarily examined students’ perceptions and attitudes toward GenAI, yet limited attention has been given to how novice learners integrate these tools into authentic project based workflows and how such integration evolves over time. This study presents a two year comparative analysis of GenAI adoption among first year undergraduate students in the Faculty of Instructional Technologies who completed an integrated final project spanning courses in user interface design, user experience design, and web accessibility.

Across two consecutive cohorts, the course structure, project brief, instructional materials, assessment criteria, and survey instrument remained identical, enabling a valid year to year comparison. Students worked in small teams simulating a professional design process that included ideation, user research, design specification, and digital asset creation. GenAI use was permitted throughout the project, with students remaining accountable for all outcomes. Data were collected using an identical structured questionnaire measuring phase specific usage, perceived contribution, and intention to use GenAI in future projects on a five point Likert scale, alongside open ended responses. Sixty five teams participated (2024: n = 32; 2025: n = 33). Analyses combined descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.

Findings indicate a developmental shift between cohorts. In 2024, students primarily used GenAI for inspiration and exploratory idea generation. In 2025, usage became more targeted and process oriented, supporting research synthesis, design decisions, and iterative refinement. Reported use increased across all design phases, particularly in research and ideation, while perceived contribution remained stable. Willingness to use GenAI in future projects increased significantly. Overall, the findings suggest an emerging process of disciplinary integration in which GenAI functions as a cognitive partner that supports reflective design thinking while preserving human judgment and critical oversight.