REU Site: Human-Technology Interfaces: Artificial Intelligence Applications for Digital Product Design

This Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Site at Morgan State University provides a 10-week, summer immersive research program focused on exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance human-centered digital product design. As AI becomes increasingly embedded in everyday technologies, there is a growing need to understand how humans and intelligent systems can effectively collaborate to create user-friendly, accessible, and efficient digital experiences. This project addresses that need by engaging undergraduate students in hands-on research at the intersection of AI and human-computer interaction, while strengthening participation in STEM by building a nationwide cohort of students from varied academic and institutional backgrounds. By developing technical, research, and professional skills, the program contributes to the preparation of a skilled STEM workforce and advances the national interest in innovation and technological competitiveness. The REU program trains students to conduct interdisciplinary research at the intersection of AI, human-computer interaction (HCI), and human-centered design (HCD). The project focuses on four integrated research themes: (1) AI tools for qualitative data analysis, (2) AI tools for conceptual design, (3) AI-enhanced usability testing, and (4) transparency and trust in AI-supported design. Participants will use mixed methods such as surveys, thematic coding, usability evaluation, and analysis of interaction data to examine human-AI collaboration in design workflows. Projects include evaluating AI-assisted qualitative analysis, generating and assessing AI-based personas and interface designs, identifying bias and gaps in AI-generated outputs, analyzing user interaction patterns with AI-supported insights, and examining how explainability influences trust in AI-generated recommendations. Through structured mentoring and progressively independent research, students will produce research reports, presentations, and dissemination materials that contribute to advancing knowledge on effective, responsible, and inclusive human-AI collaboration in digital product design. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.