Understanding the Research Focus
Cheng “Chris” Chen, an assistant professor of communication design, has conducted significant research on how coaching users in crafting prompts can shape their perceptions and trust in AI systems. Her recent work earned her a best paper award at the TAS ’24 symposium in Austin, Texas. The study investigates how prompt coaching affects user engagement and trust calibration when interacting with text-to-image generative AI tools.
Key Findings
- Users showed a considerable need for guidance in formulating prompts for AI tools.
- Prompt coaching led to more detailed user inputs, enhancing their overall experience.
- This coaching process helped users better align their trust levels with the AI’s actual capabilities, known as trust calibration.
- Chen also presented another paper on the timing of explanations in AI interactions, further exploring user perceptions and trust.
Significance of the Research
This research is crucial as it highlights the importance of user education in AI interactions. By improving how users engage with AI systems, trust can be fostered, leading to better outcomes. As AI becomes more integrated into daily life, understanding how to effectively communicate with these systems is essential for enhancing user experience and ensuring responsible AI use.
