Scientists discover AI can make humans more creative

Swansea University researchers conducted one of the largest studies to date on how people collaborate with artificial intelligence during creative design tasks. More than 800 participants took part in an online experiment in which they used an AI-supported system to design virtual cars. The system applied a method called MAP-Elites to generate visual galleries containing many different design possibilities. These galleries presented a wide range of car concepts, including highly effective designs, unusual ideas, and intentionally flawed options. Participants responded most positively to galleries with diverse ideas, including flawed ones. The variety helped participants move beyond their initial assumptions and explore a broader design space. Dr. Sean Walton, the study's lead author and a Turing Fellow at the university, stated that people spent more time on the task, produced better designs, and felt more involved. The research was published in the ACM journal Transactions on Interactive Intelligent Systems. The study also points out limitations in traditional ways of assessing AI design tools. Standard metrics often emphasize simple actions like clicking or copying suggestions. Researchers argue that evaluation should instead use broader methods to account for effects on thoughts, emotions, and exploration.