Abstract
This paper examines a participatory process for integrating Generative AI (GenAI) into the creative work of a public service organization. Through this process, we gain insights into the complexities of human-AI relations, the evolving nature of creative work, and the conditions necessary for meaningful AI integration in service organizations. The paper makes two key contributions: it documents a case of participatory GenAI integration in a public service setting, and it explores implications for creative practice and the evolving role of human-AI collaboration. Findings highlight the importance of reflection, value-driven AI integration, and the need for facilitated spaces for critical reflection. The study contributes to ongoing discussions on how service organizations and designers can engage with AI in ways that align with professional identity, ethics, and creative agency.
Keywords
Participatory AI, Human-AI collaboration, Public Service
DOI
https://doi.org/10.21606/servdes2025.49
Citation
Marttila, S., Fischer, L.H.,and Sandbukt, S.(2025) Tracing Human-AI Relations: A Participatory Approach to GenAI Integration in Creative Public Service Work, in Mahamuni, R., Onkar, P. (eds.), ServDes 2025: Empowering Diversity, Nurturing Lasting Impact, 6–10 October, Hyderabad, India. https://doi.org/10.21606/servdes2025.49
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
Tracing Human-AI Relations: A Participatory Approach to GenAI Integration in Creative Public Service Work
This paper examines a participatory process for integrating Generative AI (GenAI) into the creative work of a public service organization. Through this process, we gain insights into the complexities of human-AI relations, the evolving nature of creative work, and the conditions necessary for meaningful AI integration in service organizations. The paper makes two key contributions: it documents a case of participatory GenAI integration in a public service setting, and it explores implications for creative practice and the evolving role of human-AI collaboration. Findings highlight the importance of reflection, value-driven AI integration, and the need for facilitated spaces for critical reflection. The study contributes to ongoing discussions on how service organizations and designers can engage with AI in ways that align with professional identity, ethics, and creative agency.