AI as Friction for Reflection in Design Ideation

A new arXiv paper argues that generative AI tools for creative work should be designed to introduce friction for reflection rather than to remove it. The authors contend that the current focus on smoothing iteration and accelerating output overlooks the importance of reflection-in-action, the process by which designers accept, reject, and rework ideas to develop rationale and communicate with others. This is especially critical in group ideation, where ideas must be expressed and explained for collective extension, rejection, or combination. The paper proposes reframing AI as a friction agent for reflection, opening up a different role in design ideation.