ChatGPT: mediating complex design processes

Authors

Alma Leora Culén, University of Oslo, NorwayFollow
Amela Karahasanovic, University of Oslo, Norway; SINTEF Digital, Oslo, NorwayFollow
Joseph Makokha, University of Oslo, NorwayFollow
Nicholas Sebastian Stevens, University of Oslo, NorwayFollow
YangYang Zhao, University of Oslo, NorwayFollow

Abstract

This study explores the integration of ChatGPT as a facilitative tool in complex design processes within a project-based Transformative Design course. Student teams collaborated with external partners on projects concerning democratization of trading, democratization of local manufacturing processes, and promoting social inclusion. The inquiry observed if ChatGPT positively contributes to such processes and, if so, in what ways. We focused on its impact on teamwork, creativity, and informed decision-making. Data collection involved recording design sessions with automatic transcription, conversation logs from ChatGPT, semi-structured team interviews, observations and an anonymized questionnaire. Our findings point to ChatGPT’s ability to offer better assistance with real-life design processes - not as much in terms of creativity, but the ability to learn and get the information needed for design in complex and often novel domains. They also point to a shifting perception of human, technology, and world relationships.

Keywords

chat gpt; complex design domains; teamwork; sustainability

DOI

https://doi.org/10.21606/drs.2024.628

Citation

Leora Culén, A., Karahasanovic, A., Makokha, J., Sebastian Stevens, N., and Zhao, Y. (2024) ChatGPT: mediating complex design processes, in Gray, C., Ciliotta Chehade, E., Hekkert, P., Forlano, L., Ciuccarelli, P., Lloyd, P. (eds.), DRS2024: Boston, 23–28 June, Boston, USA. https://doi.org/10.21606/drs.2024.628

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License

Conference Track

Research Paper