Do It For Me vs. Do It With Me: Investigating User Perceptions of Different Paradigms of Automation in Copilots for Feature-Rich Software

Fuente: arXiv
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Autori principali: Khurana, Anjali, Su, Xiaotian, Wang, April Yi, Chilana, Parmit K
Natura: Preprint
Pubblicazione: 2025
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author Khurana, Anjali
Su, Xiaotian
Wang, April Yi
Chilana, Parmit K
author_facet Khurana, Anjali
Su, Xiaotian
Wang, April Yi
Chilana, Parmit K
contents Large Language Model (LLM)-based in-application assistants, or copilots, can automate software tasks, but users often prefer learning by doing, raising questions about the optimal level of automation for an effective user experience. We investigated two automation paradigms by designing and implementing a fully automated copilot (AutoCopilot) and a semi-automated copilot (GuidedCopilot) that automates trivial steps while offering step-by-step visual guidance. In a user study (N=20) across data analysis and visual design tasks, GuidedCopilot outperformed AutoCopilot in user control, software utility, and learnability, especially for exploratory and creative tasks, while AutoCopilot saved time for simpler visual tasks. A follow-up design exploration (N=10) enhanced GuidedCopilot with task-and state-aware features, including in-context preview clips and adaptive instructions. Our findings highlight the critical role of user control and tailored guidance in designing the next generation of copilots that enhance productivity, support diverse skill levels, and foster deeper software engagement.
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publishDate 2025
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spellingShingle Do It For Me vs. Do It With Me: Investigating User Perceptions of Different Paradigms of Automation in Copilots for Feature-Rich Software
Khurana, Anjali
Su, Xiaotian
Wang, April Yi
Chilana, Parmit K
Human-Computer Interaction
Artificial Intelligence
Machine Learning
Large Language Model (LLM)-based in-application assistants, or copilots, can automate software tasks, but users often prefer learning by doing, raising questions about the optimal level of automation for an effective user experience. We investigated two automation paradigms by designing and implementing a fully automated copilot (AutoCopilot) and a semi-automated copilot (GuidedCopilot) that automates trivial steps while offering step-by-step visual guidance. In a user study (N=20) across data analysis and visual design tasks, GuidedCopilot outperformed AutoCopilot in user control, software utility, and learnability, especially for exploratory and creative tasks, while AutoCopilot saved time for simpler visual tasks. A follow-up design exploration (N=10) enhanced GuidedCopilot with task-and state-aware features, including in-context preview clips and adaptive instructions. Our findings highlight the critical role of user control and tailored guidance in designing the next generation of copilots that enhance productivity, support diverse skill levels, and foster deeper software engagement.
title Do It For Me vs. Do It With Me: Investigating User Perceptions of Different Paradigms of Automation in Copilots for Feature-Rich Software
topic Human-Computer Interaction
Artificial Intelligence
Machine Learning
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2504.15549