AI-generated inspiration for the design process: effects across the vividness of visual imagery spectrum

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) has been touted as a means of providing inspiration in the early phases of the design process. However, it is not known whether this would help or hurt the finished design and the user experience. It could be that looking at AI-generated designs for inspiration could be beneficial for people who struggle to create visual imagery, as evidenced using the Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire (VVIQ2). The aim of this study was to compare the quality, accuracy, task time, and user experience of nonprofessionals when asked to create wireframe prototypes with or without access to AI-generated samples. Results showed that AI samples provided some inspiration, but people who were shown sample AI designs reported lower user experience scores for the wireframing design process. The presence of AI-generated inspiration attenuated the association between people’s VVIQ2 scores and user experience. The AI-generated inspiration did not affect the design time or accuracy (meeting specifications) for the prototypes, but there were contrasting findings with regards to quality. The results suggest that AI-generated inspiration must be used with caution and further research is needed to establish when and for whom it may provide benefits.