UX4AI

AI-based systems require new methods and tools in their design, as they are complex (eco)systems that learn and evolve over time (Wu & Zhang, 2020). This, in turn, means that the interactions between AI-based systems and their users change over time as the systems learn, which can lead to undesirable user experiences and difficulties in using the product or service. Research shows, however, that AI poses a challenge in design practice; for example, designers may be unable to envision the best solution because they do not understand data dependency during prototyping or lack the tools and methods to evaluate the solution (Heier, 2021). Furthermore, the process of developing AI systems currently consists of “lengthy and costly development cycles” (Yang, 2018). There is a lack of a human- or user-centered perspective in this process. The behavior of these systems is therefore not comparable to human logic, making it difficult to analyze using the tools and methods traditionally employed by UX designers.

Consequently, it is necessary to rethink the current approach to designing smart and intelligent AI-based applications. The goal of this doctoral project is to investigate and develop measures (e.g., tools, frameworks) to support UX designers in designing AI-based systems that take into account the needs and requirements of (end) users.

Findings from recent studies show that UX designers struggle to use AI technologies effectively because they often lack specific AI-related knowledge (see Yang et al., 2018). Since research in this field is still in its infancy due to rapid developments, this doctoral project is positioned precisely at this intersection with the following central research question:

How can UX designers be supported in the design of AI-based systems or applications to ensure that the needs and requirements of (end) users are taken into account?

Working Title: UX4AI – User Experience of AI-Based Systems: A Framework for User-Centered Design in AI Development

Doctoral Candidate: Alexander Rossner, M.Eng.

Institution: Doctoral Center for Applied Computer Science (PZAI)

Primary Advisor: Prof. Dr. Ralf Dörner, RheinMain University of Applied Sciences

Secondary Advisor: Prof. Dr. Sven Pagel, Mainz University of Applied Sciences

Duration: since October 15, 2021

Human AI Interaction, Human Centred AI, User Experience, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, UX for AI, Design for AI, Design Science Research

Alexander Rossner, M.Eng.
Ph.D. Student | UI/UX Research Team Leader
WIMM Research Group

Hochschule Mainz
Lucy-Hillebrand-Str. 2
55128 Mainz
Room: A0.18

T: +49 6131 628-3323
E: alexander.rossner@hs-mainz.de
W: wimm.hs-mainz.de | ux4ai.hs-mainz.de