AI in Participatory Design

Paper publication in proceedings of Participatory Design Conference 2024

This study examines how artificial intelligence (AI) can assist in participatory design, where stakeholders, such as users, customers, or communities, actively contribute to the design process. The review focuses on how AI can support this collaborative work and identifies both the benefits and risks of using AI in such settings.

AI can enhance participatory design in several ways. It can make the design process more accessible, particularly for individuals who may lack confidence or technical skills. For example, AI tools can help participants generate new ideas, visualize concepts, and engage in creative tasks with less difficulty. AI can also facilitate the collaboration process by acting as a neutral mediator, helping groups reach consensus or offering real-time feedback during brainstorming sessions. These tools can make it easier for people to contribute and share their ideas in a way that might have been difficult without AI assistance.

However, the study also highlights significant risks. One concern is that participants might rely too heavily on AI-generated ideas, which could limit their creativity or lead them to accept AI suggestions without critical thinking. There is also a risk of bias, as AI tools are often trained on data that may reflect societal prejudices, which could negatively impact the design process. Additionally, using AI might overwhelm some participants, especially if they are unfamiliar with the technology or if the AI-generated content is too complex to evaluate effectively.

In conclusion, while AI holds promise for making participatory design more inclusive and efficient, it is essential to carefully manage how these tools are used to avoid over-reliance on AI, address bias, and ensure that all participants can engage meaningfully. Future research should explore how to balance AI’s role in supporting creativity and collaboration without overshadowing human input.