Codesigning AI with End-Users: An AI Literacy Toolkit for Nontechnical Audiences

Abstract

Abstract This study addresses the challenge of limited AI literacy among the general public hindering effective participation in AI codesign. We present a card-based AI literacy toolkit designed to inform nontechnical audiences about AI and stimulate idea generation. The toolkit incorporates 16 competencies from the AI Literacy conceptual framework and employs ‘What if?’ prompts to encourage questioning, mirroring designers’ approaches. Using a mixed methods approach, we assessed the impact of the toolkit. In a design task with nontechnical participants (N = 50), we observed a statistically significant improvement in critical feedback and breadth of AI-related questions after toolkit use. Further, a codesign workshop involving six participants, half without an AI background, revealed positive effects on collaboration between practitioners and end-users, fostering a shared vision and common ground. This research emphasizes the potential of AI literacy tools to enhance the involvement of nontechnical audiences in codesigning AI systems, contributing to more inclusive and informed participatory processes.