Exploring Pervasive Making Using Generative Modeling and Speech Input

Digital manufacturing technologies, especially three-dimensional (3-D) printing, are rapidly transforming the way we experience retail. Consumer products can now be deeply customized to an individual both in terms of fit, as well as style. However, consumers typically lack the design tools and expertise to express their design intent. In this article, we explore a human-centered approach for leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to scaffold 3-D design tasks to make them accessible to more consumers. Our sunglasses kiosk prototype allows users to iteratively express their design intent at a high-level, using voice. The AI generates new 3-D designs of sunglasses that reflect the user's refined design intent. A user study examines the attitudes and behaviors toward this AI-powered kiosk approach.