Human-Centered AI Communication in Co-Creativity: An Initial Framework and Insights

How AI communicates with humans is crucial for effective human-AI co-creation. However, many existing co-creative AI systems cannot communicate effectively, limiting their collaborative potential. This paper presents the initial design of the Framework for AI Communication (FAICO) for co-creative AI, developed through a systematic review. FAICO highlights key aspects of AI communication and their impact on user experience, offering preliminary guidelines for designing human-centered AI communication. To improve the framework, we conducted a formative study with two focus groups involving skilled individuals in AI, HCI, and design. These sessions sought to understand participants' preferences for AI communication, gather their perceptions of the framework, collect feedback for refinement, and explore its use in co-creative domains like collaborative writing and design. Our findings reveal a preference for a human-AI feedback loop over linear communication and emphasize the importance of context in fostering mutual understanding. Based on these insights, we propose actionable strategies for applying the framework in practice and future directions, marking the first step toward developing comprehensive guidelines for designing effective human-centered AI communication in co-creation.