From Fake Perfects to Conversational Imperfects: Exploring Image-Generative AI as a Boundary Object for Participatory Design of Public Spaces

TL;DR

This paper explores how image-generative AI can support participatory design of public spaces by fostering richer, more inclusive conversations among stakeholders, moving beyond mere accuracy to collaborative creativity.

Contribution

It demonstrates the practical use of IGAI in real-world participatory processes, highlighting its impact on conversation quality and stakeholder engagement.

Findings

IGAI shifts focus from accuracy to conversation richness

IGAI promotes space-aware discussions among stakeholders

Facilitator skills influence IGAI-mediated interactions

Abstract

Designing public spaces requires balancing the interests of diverse stakeholders within a constrained physical and institutional space. Designers usually approach these problems through participatory methods but struggle to incorporate diverse perspectives into design outputs. The growing capabilities of image-generative artificial intelligence (IGAI) could support participatory design. Prior work in leveraging IGAI's capabilities in design has focused on augmenting the experience and performance of individual creators. We study how IGAI could facilitate participatory processes when designing public spaces, a complex collaborative task. We conducted workshops and IGAI-mediated interviews in a real-world participatory process to upgrade a park in Los Angeles. We found (1) a shift from focusing on accuracy to fostering richer conversations as the desirable outcome of adopting IGAI in participatory design, (2) that IGAI promoted more space-aware conversations, and (3) that IGAI-mediated conversations are subject to the abilities of the facilitators in managing the interaction between themselves, the AI, and stakeholders. We contribute by discussing practical implications for using IGAI in participatory design, including success metrics, relevant skills, and asymmetries between designers and stakeholders. We finish by proposing a series of open research questions.