Ian P. Swift
PhD Student in Computer Science
University of Illinois Chicago
I am a PhD student studying technology and human values. My research critically examines the relationship between production and technology, drawing on empirical, theoretical, and design-oriented methodologies; a recent example is a provocation challenging the efficiency framing of GenAI.
Recent Publications
A Diffractive Analysis of GenAI through Perspectives on Productivity
CHIWORK, 2026
Current conversations on productivity with Generative AI (GenAI) typically reduce productivity to inputs and outputs, overlooking the nuance of productivity. Simultaneously, existing research explores a variety of interactions with GenAI. To better understand these interactions, we apply a diffractive analysis of three perspectives on productivity beyond efficiency: Herbert Simon’s procedural rationality, Hannah Arendt’s work and worldliness, and Ivan Illich’s conviviality, and analyze the different interactions with GenAI. In the discussion of these analyses, we explore how the observed differences can motivate choices between interactions, such as exploration for problem-solving versus inspiration for competence.
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.