Team members:
Dr. Tamir Mendel, Postdoctoral Researcher in the Department of Technology of Management and Innovation, NYU Tandon School of Engineering, New York University.
Dr. Zhaoxi Zhang, Faculty Fellow in the Center of Urban Science + Progress (CUSP) at the Tandon School of Engineering.
Wen Yin, Ph.D. Candidate in Human-Centered Technology Innovation, Department of Technology of Management and Innovation and CUSP.
Vaidehi Raipat, Ph.D. Candidate in Human-Centered Technology, Innovation & Design, Department of Technology of Management and Innovation and CUSP.
Project Abstract: AI-powered chatbots can assist governance in communicating with residents to gather their experiences and needs regarding public urban design. These chatbots can improve the ability to empathize and manage diverse conversations, potentially provide varied residents’ perspectives and trust, and strengthen democracy by representing residents’ concerns. We explored visitors’ interactions and attitudes toward generative AI chatbots (vs. rule-based chatbots) while they were having conversations with chatbots in urban parks. We conducted a within-subjects design experiment with 50 participants while visiting Washington Square Park, manipulating chatbot types: AI-powered chatbots using Large Language Models (LLMs) and rule-based chatbots using simple instructions. We evaluated trust, emotions, and attitudes toward sharing information with AI chatbots. We discuss how AI-powered chatbots could evolve into a smart city platform, connecting governors and designers to public opinions while enabling residents to participate in design processes.
If you are interested in this project, please write to us for more information.
Contact persons:
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- Tamir Mendel: tamir.mendel@nyu.edu
- Zhaoxi Zhang: Zhaoxi.Zhang@nyu.edu