Bridging Generations using AI-Supported Co-Creative Activities

TL;DR

Bridging Generations using AI-Supported Co-Creative Activities investigates whether AI-assisted co-creation can strengthen ties between grandparents and grandchildren. The authors conducted a workshop with 29 grandparent-grandchild groups using Robo-Blocks, an LLM-powered storytelling and robot-programming tool, collecting qualitative and quantitative data. They find that grandchildren tend to handle technical tasks while grandparents contribute narrative depth, with AI structuring, brainstorming, and narrative assistance enabling cohesive collaboration; some participants remain skeptical, but hands-on use can shift attitudes and close gaps. The paper offers design implications for AI systems that support intergenerational interaction, emphasizing adaptability, explainability, and preserving human roles, with potential to enhance family communication in real-world settings.

Abstract

Intergenerational co-creation using technology between grandparents and grandchildren can be challenging due to differences in technological familiarity. AI has emerged as a promising tool to support co-creative activities, offering flexibility and creative assistance, but its role in facilitating intergenerational connection remains underexplored. In this study, we conducted a user study with 29 grandparent-grandchild groups engaged in AI-supported story creation to examine how AI-assisted co-creation can foster meaningful intergenerational bonds. Our findings show that grandchildren managed the technical aspects, while grandparents contributed creative ideas and guided the storytelling. AI played a key role in structuring the activity, facilitating brainstorming, enhancing storytelling, and balancing the contributions of both generations. The process fostered mutual appreciation, with each generation recognizing the strengths of the other, leading to an engaging and cohesive co-creation process. We offer design implications for integrating AI into intergenerational co-creative activities, emphasizing how AI can enhance connection across skill levels and technological familiarity.

Figures (3)

• Figure 1: Overview of Robo-Blocks. (1) description of the task; (2) chat interface; (3) milestones with a "Help me" button; (4) description of the robot platform.
• Figure 2: Summary of Qualitative Findings: AI was perceived as a catalyst by structuring the process, supporting brainstorming, enhancing storytelling, and bridging technological gaps, fostering mutual appreciation between generations. Also, participants exhibited mixed perceptions of AI during co-creation activities across generations. Finally, AI-assisted co-creation activity fostered complementary strengths between generations by creating a shared environment, allowing both generations to contribute their unique strength and encourage self-reflection. Background shapes connect themes related to the research questions. GP denotes grandparent, and GC denotes grandchild.
• Figure 3: Comparison of ChatGPT usage and programming experience across generations. Horizontal lines indicate statistically significant differences based on the Chi-Square test ($p < .05^{\ast}$, $p < .01^{\ast\ast}$, $p < .001^{\ast\ast\ast}$).