Designing with AI - Assessing the state of play of AI co-creation in web design

Abstract

Given the growing use of AI-supported design tools and the existing research-practice gap in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), there are valid reasons to assess the state of play of AI co-creation in design. By surveying design practitioners, experiences, fears, and perceived benefits may be learned to help guide future research and create a starting point for the shaping of practical recommendations for leveraging of AI tools within the design domain. This study applied a mixed-method approach, surveying 71 design practitioners and interviewing seven to identify the perceived impact, risks, benefits, and concerns regarding AI co-creation. It was found that 76 percent of design practitioners engage in AI co-creation, extending over virtually the entire design process. Practitioners enjoy the perceived expedition of task initiation and the iterative work method that AI co-creation offers; however, they also raise several concerns such as data privacy, copyright, and potential knowledge loss. In addition, some experience a struggle to keep up with the rapid development of AI services, adding pressure on design practitioners. In conclusion, seven recommendations for designers, three for employers of design practitioners, and two for AI services were derived from the study results. Additionally, it was found that company culture regarding AI, the impact of AI co-creation on knowledge sharing in collaborative settings, and AI’s ability to reinforce, prevent, and be biased towards itself simultaneously are viable topics for future research.