Dialogues with the Machine: Human-AI Feedback Loops in Human-Centered Design

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 7:45 am - Gold 3
  In Roundtable Session: Human–AI Partnerships, Ethics, and Reflective Practice

Abstract

This study investigates the integration and educational impact of a contextually grounded generative AI (GenAI) feedback tool within a Human-Centered Design (HCD) course at a U.S. university during Spring 2025. Guided by design-based research (DBR) and mixed methods, the paper answers: How did students engage with the rubric-aligned AI feedback tool, and what types of feedback-seeking behaviors emerged? Analysis of post-course survey responses and student-AI chat transcripts reveals varied interaction patterns ranging from clarification to co-creative dialogue. Findings indicate that the AI tool functioned beyond mere assessment, serving instead as a collaborative conversational partner. The paper highlights pedagogical implications for framing feedback as a dynamic, human-AI co-creative process, emphasizing the necessity of developing critical AI literacy and reflective skills among students.

Authors

• Akash Kumar Saini, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Saadeddine S. Shehab, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• William Cope, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Mary Kalantzis, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Duane Searsmith, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Vania Castro, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Amber Dewey Schultz, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign