SustAInability much? Mapping the intersection of AI, design, and sustainability in Scopus and WoS-indexed journals

Abstract

The rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is fundamentally transforming creative practices across all design disciplines. However, the commitment to addressing the ethical and environmental consequences of this transformation remains critically underexplored. This study aims to quantify the volume, track the evolution, and map the intellectual structure of academic literature at the intersection of AI, Design, and Sustainability. Using a comprehensive bibliometric approach, four distinct datasets were retrieved from the Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) databases on 3 October 2025. The study compares core "AI + Design + Sustainability" papers against an "AI + Design" baseline to assess the relative contribution of the sustainability dimension. The analysis identifies critical research gaps and offers strategic insights for scholars and institutions committed to fostering a more ethically and environmentally responsible design future.