Co-creating Futures for Integrating Generative AI into the Designers’ Workflow

Abstract: In recent years Generative AI tools have become increasingly ubiquitous and have given rise to much discussion concerning their impact on jobs, both in personal use and corporate settings. Despite Generative AI being a rapidly growing field, there is currently an existing research gap regarding the adoption of these tools across different domains. This study aims to fill this gap by contributing with knowledge on how designers might integrate Generative AI into their workflows. By adopting a Research through design (RtD) approach, three workshops were held where designers used generative AI tools to co-create design fictions envisioning how AI tools would permeate their future workflows. Thematic analysis of the workshop data revealed both desirable and undesirable futures from the designers’ perspectives situating AI at various stages of design – from assisting designers with mundane tasks to helping with ideation and testing. The futures brought up reflections on designers in control of the workflow, the dynamics of human-AI collaboration and the evolving role of the designer. The study contributes knowledge about different forms human-AI interactions could take in the near future, and highlights the importance of careful consideration when deploying these tools in a human-centric manner.