Ian P. Swift
PhD Candidate in Computer Science
University of Illinois Chicago
I am a PhD Candidate in Computer Science studying Human Interaction with Generative AI. The focus of my research is to use GenAI to meet goals in production beyond producing a usable output. I am interested in solving difficult problems using Research, UI/UX, Application Development.
Recent Publication
A Value-Oriented Investigation of Photoshop's Generative Fill
GenAICHI at CHI, 2024
The creative industry is both concerned and enthusiastic about how generative Al will reshape creativity. How might these tools interact with the workflow values of creative artists? In this paper, we adopt a value-sensitive design framework to examine how generative Al, particularly Photoshop's Generative Fill (GF), helps or hinders creative professionals' values. We obtained 566 unique posts about GF from online forums for creative professionals who use Photoshop in their current work practices. We conducted reflexive thematic analysis focusing on usefulness, ease of use, and user values. Users found GF useful in doing touch-ups, expanding images, and generating composite images. GF helped users' values of productivity by making work efficient but created a value tension around creativity: it helped reduce barriers to creativity but hindered distinguishing 'human' from algorithmic art. Furthermore, GF hindered lived experiences shaping creativity and hindered the honed prideful skills of creative work.