Towards a Working Definition of Designing Generative User Interfaces
It addresses the problem of conceptual ambiguity in Generative UI for HCI researchers and practitioners, though it is incremental as it builds on existing literature.
This study tackled the lack of a clear definition for Generative UI by conducting a multi-method qualitative analysis, resulting in a working definition based on five core themes and identification of emerging design models.
Generative UI is transforming interface design by facilitating AI-driven collaborative workflows between designers and computational systems. This study establishes a working definition of Generative UI through a multi-method qualitative approach, integrating insights from a systematic literature review of 127 publications, expert interviews with 18 participants, and analyses of 12 case studies. Our findings identify five core themes that position Generative UI as an iterative and co-creative process. We highlight emerging design models, including hybrid creation, curation-based workflows, and AI-assisted refinement strategies. Additionally, we examine ethical challenges, evaluation criteria, and interaction models that shape the field. By proposing a conceptual foundation, this study advances both theoretical discourse and practical implementation, guiding future HCI research toward responsible and effective generative UI design practices.