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From Generation to Simulation: Responsible Use of AI Personas in Human-Centered Design and Research

  • A. Baki Kocaballi*
  • , Mirjana Prpa
  • , Joni Salminen
  • , Danial Amin
  • , Bernard J. Jansen
  • *Corresponding author for this work
  • University of Technology Sydney
  • Northeastern University
  • University of Vaasa

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Generative AI (GenAI) is increasingly transforming human-centered design (HCD) by enabling the generation and simulation of AI-driven personas that can role-play different stakeholders, ideate solutions, and perform usability tests. With their increased efficiency and accessibility, these AI personas offer advantages such as scalability, rapid ideation, coverage of diverse and edge cases, and reduced reliance on costly human subject studies at early stages of design. However, they also pose ethical, representational, and methodological challenges. Although evidence on the use, benefits, and limitations of AI personas is growing, the field still lacks shared validity standards and reporting norms to guide the use of AI personas and their synthetic feedback, and decisions about when to involve actual human participants. This half-day workshop will examine the roles, opportunities, and responsibilities associated with integrating GenAI simulated personas into HCI design practice. Through the presentation of emerging evidence, collaborative discussions, and hands-on activities, we aim to explore responsible methods and develop practical guidelines for the responsible use of AI personas in human-centered design and research.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCHI 2026 - Extended Abtracts of the 2026 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems
EditorsNuria Oliver, David A. Shamma, Heloisa Candello, Pablo Cesar, Pedro Lopes, Valentino Artizzu, Fiona Draxler, Gustavo Lopez, Anke V. Reinschluessel, Xin Tong, Phoebe O. Toups Dugas
PublisherAssociation for Computing Machinery
ISBN (Electronic)9798400722813
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 13 Apr 2026
EventExtended Abtracts of the 2026 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, CHI 2026 - Barcelona, Spain
Duration: 13 Apr 202617 Apr 2026

Publication series

NameConference on Human Factors in Computing Systems - Proceedings

Conference

ConferenceExtended Abtracts of the 2026 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, CHI 2026
Country/TerritorySpain
CityBarcelona
Period13/04/2617/04/26

Keywords

  • Ethics & Governance
  • Generative AI
  • Personas
  • Synthetic Users
  • UX Evaluation
  • User Simulation

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