Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as an indispensable tool in the design process, offering the ability to rapidly generate creative content and fundamentally transform design workflows. Critical thinking, a cornerstone of a designer’s core competencies, plays a pivotal role in evaluating the authenticity and validity of information, as well as driving innovative design solutions. However, while designers benefit from the convenience provided by AI-generated content (AIGC), ensuring that they maintain and enhance their critical thinking skills during the design process has become a pressing challenge in design education. This study addresses the core question of “how AIGC impacts critical thinking in the design process.” Through a systematic review of 41 academic articles, the study aims to comprehensively investigate the influence of AIGC on critical thinking. Based on the findings, this research proposes a structured set of recommendations for integrating AIGC into traditional design workflows and educational practices, thereby fostering the critical thinking abilities of learners.