Autumn 2024
Prototyping with LLMs to Inform Design of AI Applications
Instructors:
- Meena Devii Muralikumar (PhD Candidate, HCDE)
- David W. McDonald (Professor, HCDE)
In this DRG, we will explore how we can leverage LLMs in simulating AI capabilities and informing the user experience of AI applications.
Prototyping for AI applications is not straightforward. Even when we employ Wizard of Oz techniques, they might not realistically simulate AI failures.
Model development is informed by user needs and requirements. However, users cannot easily envision and/or discuss realistic needs without using something tangible – especially for AI. Prior work in the literature refers to this as a chicken-and-egg problem.
How might LLMs help address this? What differences can we observe when we leverage LLMs in the design process versus when we do not?
We will undertake this line of inquiry by selecting a specific AI-based use case, conducting UX research, and evaluating prototypes. For this DRG, we will focus on the first half of the double diamond design process - defining the problem.
This DRG will resemble a project-based course. Since we are driven by this overarching research question we will also read relevant research articles and maintain a design journal.
We are looking for 8-12 students. Students will work in a group of designers & researchers to address an AI-related design problem. We will meet once a week to work together, engage with each others’ work, discuss, and provide feedback. Students will have the opportunity to i) add work done as part of this DRG to their portfolio/resumes and ii) inform the research inquiry.
Enrollment information
- Meeting time: TBD
- Credits: 2
- Who should apply: We are looking for students who have completed basic coursework in HCDE and are interested in the design process of AI applications. We are planning to form teams where design and research expertise are balanced. So please highlight your skills accordingly. Strong prototyping skills are a plus. Teams will have to create low to high fidelity prototypes as part of the DRG.
- This DRG counts toward the directed research requirement for PhD students.
- To apply: Interested students please fill out this Google Form.
- Anticipated notification date: Students will be notified of acceptance by September 20.
- Questions? Email Meena at mmeena@uw.edu.