The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) has implications across creative industries, including fashion design, architecture, gaming, and music. Considering literature research and a practical workshop, this study analyzes the design process based on the relationship between designers and GenAI tools, examining the creative process. The educational and data collection methods used included slide presentations, group discussions, and a guided project. The practical component of the methodology focused on a two-day workshop. The study concludes that there are three main challenges to the design process: originality of creations, technological dependence, and transformations in the professional domain. These changes highlight the human centrality of the designer as a creative and critical agent, who interprets and uses technology for creation and is aware of the creative process. The future of design must balance human and technological capabilities and ensure that the effects of this interaction produce results based on human, social and sustainable values. In conclusion, we don’t see GenAI tools as replacements for designers, but as tools that require human guidance to generate design solutions. They need to go beyond aesthetics and reach functional and symbolic values.