Exploring the Potential for Generative AI-based Conversational Cues for Real-Time Collaborative Ideation

What is the potential value and role for AI to facilitate real-time creative discussions? The paper explores principles for Generative-AI based conversational support by investigating how humans – playing the role of an AI agent – generate contextual conversational cues to guide an ideation session. We studied n=42 people (14 triads) brainstorming through a remote meeting design probe that allows a wizard facilitator to oversee the ideation and send text-based cues that appear real-time in the ideator interface. Thematic analysis of conversations, cues and post-hoc reflections by facilitators uncovered focal points, strategies and challenges. Notably, 44% of the cues sent out by the facilitators were either dismissed or ignored because they did not notice the cue update. When ideators did notice cues, certain facilitator strategies impacted the conversation more than others. Based on our analysis, we present design opportunities to improve generative AI-based systems to better support real-time creative collaborations.