Decentering the Human in the Design of Collaborative Cities

This study explores the potential of visual generative artificial intelligence (visual GenAI) in augmenting city design workflows. Using customized DALL-E 3 interfaces, we facilitated engagement sessions with members of an academic planning community to assess their perceptions of AI-generated imagery before and after its use, with a focus on main street revitalization (n = 24 qualitative, n = 17 quantitative). Drawing on the Technology Acceptance Model, we assessed cognitive, operational, and participatory dimensions influencing user attitudes toward AI-assisted urban design. Perceived usefulness in cognitive and participatory tasks emerged as the strongest predictors of attitudes toward visual GenAI use, explaining up to 71% and 44% of the variance, respectively. While participants valued the ability to generate visuals and stimulate dialogue rapidly, challenges with prompt precision, output predictability, and interface usability limited broader accessibility. User expertise moderated perceptions, with higher proficiency participants generally expressing more positive attitudes toward its use. Our preliminary findings suggest that while visual GenAI may offer new opportunities to augment cognitive and co-design processes, its integration into city design workflows may also depend on diverse training datasets to address biases; human-centered design with clearer affordances and support for non-expert users; and, validation processes that maintain human oversight. This study contributes to the emerging research on human-AI work integration by providing initial empirical evidence on the opportunities and constraints of visual GenAI tools in city design contexts, while establishing a foundation for future research.

BackgroundThe world is aging. The number of older patients is on the rise, and along with it comes the burden of noncommunicable diseases, both clinical and economic. Attempts with mobile health (mHealth) have been made to remedy the situation with promising outcomes. Researchers have adopted human-centered design (HCD) in mHealth creation to ensure those promises become a reality.ObjectiveThis systematic review aims to explore existing literature on relevant primary research and case studies to (1) illustrate how HCD can be used to create mHealth solutions for older adults and (2) summarize the overall process with recommendations specific to the older population.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review to address the study objectives. IEEE Xplore, Medline via Ovid, PubMed, and Scopus were searched for HCD research of mHealth solutions for older adults. Two independent reviewers then included the papers if they (1) were written in English, (2) included participants equal to or older than 60 years old, (3) were primary research, and (4) reported about mHealth apps and their HCD developments from start to finish. The 2 reviewers continued to assess the included studies’ qualities using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). A narrative synthesis was then carried out and completed.ResultsEight studies passed the eligibility criteria: 5 were mixed methods studies and 3 were case studies. Some studies were about the same mHealth projects with a total of 5 mHealth apps. The included studies differed in HCD goals, target groups, and details of their HCD methodologies. The HCD process was explored through narrative synthesis in 4 steps according to the International Standardization Organization (ISO) standard 9241-210: (1) understand and specify the context of use, (2) specify the user requirements, (3) produce design solutions to meet these requirements, and (4) evaluate the designs against requirements. The overall process and recommendations unique to older adults are summarized logically with structural order and time order based on the Minto pyramid principle and ISO 9241-210.ConclusionsFindings show that HCD can be used to create mHealth solutions for older adults with positive outcomes. This review has also summarized practical HCD steps and additional suggestions based on existing literature in the subfield. However, evidence-based results are still limited because most included studies lacked details about their sampling methods and did not set objective and quantifiable goals, leading to failure to draw significant conclusions. More studies of HCD application on mHealth for older adults with measurable design goals and rigorous research strategy are warranted.

Mental health disparities directly tie to structural racism. Digital mental health (DMH), the use of technologies to deliver services, have been touted as a way to expand access to care and reduce disparities. However, many DMH fail to mitigate the persistent disparities associated with structural racism that impact delivery (e.g., costs, dependable internet access)–and may even exacerbate them. Human-centered design (HCD) may be uniquely poised to design and test interventions alongside, rather than “for,” marginalized individuals. In employing HCD methodologies, developers may proceed with a vested interest in understanding and establishing empathy with users and their needs, behaviors, environments, and constraints. As such, HCD used to mindfully address structural racism in behavioral health care may address shortcomings of prior interventions that have neglected to elevate the voices of marginalized individuals. We argue that a paradigm shift in behavioral health services research is critically needed–one that embraces HCD as a key methodological framework for developing and evaluating interventions with marginalized communities, to ultimately promote more accessible, useful, and equitable care. The current commentary illustrates practical examples of the use of HCD methodologies to develop and evaluate DMH designed with marginalized populations, while also highlighting its limitations and need for even greater inclusivity. Following this, calls to action to learn from and improve upon HCD methodologies will be detailed. Acknowledging potential limitations of current design practices, methodologies must ultimately engage representative voices beyond research participation and invest in their active role as compensated and true collaborators to intervention design.

In this chapter, we arrive at the concluding remarks by unravelling the meaning of resilience that we started off with. With several contemporary examples, both global and from India, we present before the readers best practices that could provide leads to address impending climate risks. This is followed by a discussion on city design and planning and on governance and technology. Finally, we arrive at a resilience index imagined neither as a static document nor a canonical rule book. But one that must be updated regularly based on its ability of prioritising effective responses to external forces and uncertain events. Working on the resilience index may go a long way to address the uncertain futures of cities South of the Hemisphere that are resource poor and vulnerable. Read alongside the resilience typology discussed in this volume, urban stakeholders can work their ways out towards home-grown solutions to surmounting global challenges and build better urban futures.

Queer-feminist science and technology studies (STS) critically inquire science and technology and their promises enable new possibilities and challenging their manifestations, which are often seen as reproducing and increasing inequalities on local and global levels (Cipolla et al. 2017). The transdisciplinary technology development project PROTEA (2022-2025) has received funding to integrate a gender dimension into the human-centred technology design of 3D-printed prostheses with integrated sensor technology (Thaler et al. 2024). The gender research is adding an intersectional perspective to the participatory technology design itself, and raising gender awareness and knowledge within the research team. This paper demonstrates how a queer-feminist STS lens can intervene with the aim of challenging existing norms and standards in human-centred design through using the cyborg narrative (Haraway 1991, 2016) to analyse data. The queer-feminist lens challenges potential defaults by the research funders, and led to new research questions beyond prostheses improvement.

Readings in Times of Crisis: New Interpretations of Stories about the Settlement of Iceland

ObjectivePediatricians are well positioned to discuss early life obesity risk, but optimal methods of communication should account for parent preferences. To help inform communication strategies focused on early life obesity prevention, we employed human-centered design methodologies to identify parental perceptions, concerns, beliefs, and communication preferences about early life obesity risk.MethodsWe conducted a series of virtual human-centered design research sessions with 31 parents of infants <24 months old. Parents were recruited with a human intelligence task posted on Amazon's Mechanical Turk, via social media postings on Facebook and Reddit, and from local community organizations. Human-centered design techniques included individual short-answer activities derived from personas and empathy maps as well as group discussion.ResultsParents welcomed a conversation about infant weight and obesity risk, but concerns about health were expressed in relation to the future. Tone, context, and collaboration emerged as important for obesity prevention discussions. Framing the conversation around healthy changes for the entire family to prevent adverse impacts of excess weight may be more effective than focusing on weight loss.ConclusionsOur human-centered design approach provides a model for developing and refining messages and materials aimed at increasing parent/provider communication about early life obesity prevention. Motivating families to engage in obesity prevention may require pediatricians and other health professionals to frame the conversation within the context of other developmental milestones, involve the entire family, and provide practical strategies for behavioral change.

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into existing operational socio-technical systems presents a significant challenge, as it necessitates interventions in ongoing systems. The success of implementing new technologies critically hinges on the consideration of human factors, established workflows, and human needs. Neglecting these elements can lead to the failure of implementation at the human component. Therefore, it is imperative to involve humans not only in the development of technology but also in its implementation.This study explores how technology acceptance in socio-technical systems, particularly concerning AI, can be enhanced. Research, such as that conducted by acatech, reveals that the primary obstacle to the successful implementation of AI technologies and data-driven assistance systems is the human factor. Consequently, the inclusion of the human component in both technology development and implementation is pivotal for success.Effective knowledge transfer from research to businesses, especially within the framework of Human-Centered Design (HCD), is of utmost importance. Aligning with the United Nations’ sustainability goals is particularly supportive in creating functional networks and conserving resources. Adapting knowledge to individual practical cases is essential.The study advocates for a theoretical approach, emphasizing the necessity of HCD at different levels. HCD methodologies must be tailored to specific contexts, breaking down the approach into practical steps.There are three levels of Human Inclusion in AI Implementation:1. Technology: Adopting a genuine HCD approach, the research emphasizes moving away from inventing technology for non-existent problems or irrelevant issues. Instead, the focus should be on developing technology that addresses operational challenges.2. Organization: Training leaders, incorporating agile principles, and considering the organizational context are crucial for successful AI implementation.3. Mutual Participation: Advocating for participatory development where humans and technology collaborate, aiming to diminish technology apprehension and foster acceptance without overwhelming individuals.This study supports its arguments through existing research, logically concluding that a human-centered approach is essential for successful AI implementation. It emphasizes the need for suitable technology development aligned with operational challenges. We conclude by providing practical recommendations for implementing a human-centered approach within socio-technical systems, aiming to enhance technology acceptance without inducing change fatigue. Following the proposed approach promises technology acceptance without the negative impact of change fatigue. This outlook underscores the importance of a thoughtful and inclusive strategy in implementing AI within socio-technical systems.

Human-centered design (HCD) is a set of user-oriented principles focused on a thorough understanding of consumer needs. TRIZ focuses on the innovativeness of technical devices. TRIZ and HCD represent quite different "philosophies" of the design, manufacture and assessment of goods. It seems, however, that viewing a product from the perspective of both TRIZ and HCD methodologies provides an opportunity for consumer-focused development of products, especially consumer goods. The paper presents the cases in which emphasis is placed on product usability (TRIZ methods are applicable) as well as those areas in which HCD methods play a more significant role.

Background Digital health interventions designed through human-centered design (HCD) have shown potential to impact health equity. This scoping review aims to understand how HCD approaches in digital health impact health equity. Methodology A scoping review was undertaken. Searches were conducted on PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, AMC Digital Library, ProQuest Thesis and Dissertations and Global Medicus Index databases. Results A total of 6169 references were identified, and 40 of them fulfilled the inclusion criteria for analysis. The application of HCD methodologies varied greatly as did the digital health interventions. The HCD methodologies had an impact on health equity for those individuals included in the development of the digital health tools, but beyond those persons, the impact was harder to establish. Conclusion There is optimism for the role that HCD in digital health can have in reducing health inequities; however, the evidence is not robust. Most projects failed to scale up to maturity or failed to apply evaluation mechanisms to assess the health equity impact. Recommendations include rigorous application of HCD methodologies, scaling digital health tools beyond pilot projects, and embedding evaluation to determine the impact on health equity.

Simple SummaryHow people choose to acquire dogs and the characteristics they seek may provide insight into perceptions of ethical and socially responsible dog ownership, as acquiring a dog is the first step in dog ownership. Even if one does not intend to acquire a dog, perceptions of acquisition methods may impact views of pet industries and/or voting behaviors related to animal welfare regulation. This analysis (1) investigates the relationships between U.S. resident demographics and their level of agreement regarding statements related to dog acquisition and welfare considerations, (2) analyzes the relationships between U.S. resident demographics and their views on dog characteristics, and (3) analyzes U.S. residents’ relative ranking (in terms of most ethical) ways to acquire a dog. The findings of the current study affirm that appearance, compatibility with owner lifestyles, previous experience, and cost inform people’s decisions about dog acquisition. The relative importance of these criteria varied across respondents; as has been previously observed, women favored rescue/adoption more than men. Our results collectively indicate the growing appeal of adopting dogs from shelters and rescue organizations for many respondent segments. Different segments of the companion animal industry and those with different dog interests may want to consider tailoring their education and/or marketing communications to these groups accordingly. People’s preferences for where they acquire dogs and the characteristics they focus on may provide insight into their perceptions of socially responsible pet ownership, as acquiring a dog is the first step in dog ownership. An online survey of 1523 U.S. residents was used to aid understanding of public perceptions of dog acquisition. Likert-scale questions allowed respondents to assign a level of agreement, within the given scale, to ten statements related to dog acquisition. A significantly higher percentage of women (39.6%) than men (31.7%) agreed that the only responsible way to acquire a dog is through a shelter/rescue. More women (71.3%) than men (66.4%), as well as those with a higher household income (71%), identified source as important. Best-worst methodology was used to elicit perceptions regarding the most/least ethical ways to acquire a dog. Three subgroups were identified, one of which had an overwhelmingly large preference share (96%) for adoption. The second group had more evenly distributed preference shares amongst the various dog acquisition methods, while the third indicated a preference for “homeless” pets. Additional investigation of the values/beliefs underlying the preferences of these groups is necessary to design appropriately tailored companion animal-focused communication strategies for these different groups.

BackgroundThe rise in pediatric obesity and its accompanying condition, type 2 diabetes (T2D), is a serious public health concern. T2D in adolescents is associated with poor health outcomes and decreased life expectancy. Effective diabetes prevention strategies for high-risk adolescents and their families are urgently needed.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to co-design a diabetes prevention program for adolescents by using human-centered design methodologies.MethodsWe partnered with at-risk adolescents, parents, and professionals with expertise in diabetes prevention or those working with adolescents to conduct a series of human-centered design research sessions to co-design a diabetes prevention intervention for youth and their families. In order to do so, we needed to (1) better understand environmental factors that inhibit/promote recommended lifestyle changes to decrease T2D risk, (2) elucidate desired program characteristics, and (3) explore improved activation in diabetes prevention programs.ResultsFinancial resources, limited access to healthy foods, safe places for physical activity, and competing priorities pose barriers to adopting lifestyle changes. Adolescents and their parents desire interactive, hands-on learning experiences that incorporate a sense of fun, play, and community in diabetes prevention programs.ConclusionsThe findings of this study highlight important insights of 3 specific stakeholder groups regarding diabetes prevention and lifestyle changes. The findings of this study demonstrate that, with appropriate methods and facilitation, adolescents, parents, and professionals can be empowered to co-design diabetes prevention programs.

Urban futures: Multiple visions, paths and construction?

This qualitative case study explores the work processes and challenges faced by designers in Bangladesh regarding the adoption of human-centered design (HCD) methodologies. Interviews with 50 participants from various industries revealed that while Bangladeshi designers possess strong visual design skills, they often lack an understanding of HCD methodologies and face challenges such as time management, payment issues, and limited access to resources. The study underscores the need for a collaborative environment among clients, designers, and management, as well as enhanced education and resources to support HCD adoption. These insights highlight critical areas for improving design education, communication, and collaboration in Bangladesh.

Using TRIZ and human-centered design for consumer product development