Human-Centered AI Communication in Co-Creativity: An Initial Framework and Insights

TL;DR

This paper addresses the challenge of ineffective AI communication in human-AI co-creativity by introducing the Framework for AI Communication (FAICO), developed from a systematic review of 107 full-length papers. It specifies five core components—modalities, response mode, timing, communication type, and tone—and links each to user experience, supported by a formative study with AI, HCI, and design experts to elicit preferences and refine the framework. Key contributions include FAICO as a design and evaluation aid, six empirical themes from the formative study, and proposed use-cases such as design cards, a configuration tool, and an evaluation method to improve co-creative AI interactions. The work advances practical guidance for designing human-centered, context-aware, and emotionally resonant AI collaborators, with implications for more effective, flexible, and trustful human-AI co-creation in practice.

Abstract

Effective communication between AI and humans is essential for successful human-AI co-creation. However, many current co-creative AI systems lack effective communication, which limits their potential for collaboration. This paper presents the initial design of the Framework for AI Communication (FAICO) for co-creative AI, developed through a systematic review of 107 full-length papers. FAICO presents key aspects of AI communication and their impact on user experience, offering preliminary guidelines for designing human-centered AI communication. To improve the framework, we conducted a preliminary study with two focus groups involving skilled individuals in AI, HCI, and design. These sessions sought to understand participants' preferences for AI communication, gather their perceptions of the framework, collect feedback for refinement, and explore its use in co-creative domains like collaborative writing and design. Our findings reveal a preference for a human-AI feedback loop over linear communication and emphasize the importance of context in fostering mutual understanding. Based on these insights, we propose actionable strategies for applying FAICO in practice and future directions, marking the first step toward developing comprehensive guidelines for designing effective human-centered AI communication in co-creation.

Figures (3)

• Figure 1: Flowchart showing the steps of the systematic literature review for developing the framework
• Figure 2: The Framework for AI Communication in Co-Creative Contexts
• Figure 3: Study Procedure