English

Workmanship of Learning: Embedding Craftsmanship Values in AI-Integrated Educational Tools

Human-Computer Interaction 2026-04-09 v1

Abstract

Generative AI's emphasis on automation and efficiency challenges design education, where learning is grounded in exploration, reflection, and responsibility. This work introduces AI Craftsmanship, a value-oriented framework drawing on craftsmanship traditions that emphasize risk, rhythm, and care as central to learning through making. Through a Research through Design (RtD) approach, we designed an AI-integrated creative coding tool embedding these values into interactions and interface rather than outcomes. The tool supports designers learning generative pattern-making with p5.js by constraining AI, encouraging iterative experimentation, and foregrounding reflection. We studied the tool with five design practitioners through one-hour sessions and semi-structured interviews. Findings show craft values manifest unevenly: risk and rhythm shape early sense-making, while care emerges through reflective practices. Emergent values -- such as aesthetic judgment and confidence -- also motivated learning. AI Craftsmanship mediates values, tools, and materials, offering a value-driven perspective on designing AI systems for reflective, responsible, craft-informed learning in design education.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.2604.07118,
  title  = {Workmanship of Learning: Embedding Craftsmanship Values in AI-Integrated Educational Tools},
  author = {Tuan-Ting Huang and Janet Yi-Ching Huang and Stephan Wensveen},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2604.07118},
  year   = {2026}
}

Comments

Accepted to CHI 2026 LBW

R2 v1 2026-07-01T11:59:22.107Z