"Instant design": Five strategies for the use of Generative AI in NIME ideation workshops

Aynsley, Hugh; Bennett, Pete; Meckin, Dave; Hollowell, Sven; Mitchell, Thomas J.

Abstract

This paper presents five strategies for facilitating workshops that incorporate AI text-to-image (TTI) generators in the conceptual design of new musical instruments. Developed through a series of iterative workshops, this approach examines the integration of generative AI (GenAI) within creative processes, with a particular focus on idea generation and the interplay between AI-driven tools and traditional craft-based activities in workshop contexts. The primary study was conducted at the Artificial Intelligence and Musical Creativity Conference (AIMC '23) and the paper shares insights from the workshop, including the combination of physical prototyping and GenAI concept design through image creation. The paper emphasises the practical implications of incorporating AI tools into group design fiction workshops and offers five suggestions for facilitators and practitioners. It considers the tensions and opportunities that arise in the collaboration between AI and human creativity, underscoring the importance of iterative feedback and the benefits of clearly defined design briefs within speculative design practices.

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (unpublished)
• Conference Name: New Interfaces of Musical Expression (NIME)
• Start Date: Jun 24, 2025
• End Date: Jun 27, 2025
• Acceptance Date: Apr 30, 2025
• Deposit Date: Jun 10, 2025
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Keywords: Musical Instrument Design; Speculative Design; Collaborative Design; Generative AI
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/14451023