PD-with/for-AI: Framework and Lessons for Responsible Use of AI-Generated Synthetic Personas

In this conceptual paper, we synthesize findings from four studies at the intersection of Participatory Design (PD) and generative AI to articulate a coupled path: PD is suited for evaluating AI through lived experience; insights inform AI-supported co-creation (e.g., enacted/synthetic personas); and PD, in turn, designs and validates these tools. We show that AI-generated and -enacted personas can widen perspective but are not recommended as substitutes for people. Based on the cross-cutting lessons learned from the four studies we outline strategies and care practices for responsible use of synthetic personas, introducing a layered bidirectional model illustrating how PD values should form use of these instruments while knowledge acquired from use can in turn inform reconfigurations of PD practices and values. This strategy positions PD as both shaper and steward of generative AI in design.