Zero‑Waste Prototyping: Lifecycle Assessment of Materials and Energy in an AI‑Driven Visual Communication Course

Abstract

We translate a studio reform into an auditable workflow: position generative AI as a co‑creator; adopt a digital‑first, physical‑last prototyping strategy; account for materials and energy via simplified lifecycle assessment (LCA); and connect outputs with pre/post measurements and process logging. We retain bracket citations and number references by first appearance. Two points are emphasized: first, paperless does not equal carbonless; second, through a scenario matrix and threshold analysis, courses tend to achieve net carbon reductions under typical grid intensities and inference energy ranges. The integrated package—statistics–LCA–ethics–governance—enables auditability, reproducibility,and transferability.