Interaction-Centered Intelligence: Toward Interaction as the Primary Unit of Analysis in Co-Creative AI and Human-AI Systems

2026-05-30 · Source: Artificial Intelligence · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Emerging Technologies & Innovation · Depth: Expert, quick

Summary

The paper "Interaction-Centered Intelligence: Toward Interaction as the Primary Unit of Analysis in Co-Creative AI and Human-AI Systems" proposes a new framework, Interaction-Centered Intelligence (ICI), shifting the primary unit of analysis from isolated computational agents to evolving interaction dynamics. Published on 2026-05-30, this work argues that intelligence, creativity, and adaptive behavior emerge through interactions among agents, environments, and socio-technical systems, rather than solely internal computation. Drawing from fields like distributed cognition, embodied cognition, and human-computer interaction, and building on prior systems such as the Drawing Apprentice, ICI emphasizes interaction trajectories, coordination patterns, participatory engagement, and adaptive regulation over time. This framework has implications for explainable co-creative AI, hybrid intelligence, and enactive AI.

Key takeaway

For AI Architects designing co-creative systems, your evaluation metrics should shift. Instead of solely output-based benchmarks, consider interaction trajectories and adaptive regulation as primary indicators of system intelligence. Focus on designing systems that facilitate dynamic, evolving human-AI collaboration. This approach could lead to more robust and genuinely intelligent hybrid systems, enhancing long-term user engagement and adaptability.

Key insights

Intelligence emerges from evolving interaction dynamics among agents and environments, not just internal computation.

Principles

• Intelligence is an emergent property of interaction.
• Evaluate AI through interaction trajectories.
• Co-creation involves adaptive participation.

Method

Interaction-Centered Intelligence proposes analyzing interaction trajectories, coordination patterns, participatory engagement, and adaptive regulation unfolding through time, rather than solely generated outputs.

Topics

• Interaction-Centered Intelligence
• Co-Creative AI
• Human-AI Interaction
• Distributed Cognition
• Enactive AI
• Hybrid Intelligence

Best for: Research Scientist, AI Scientist, AI Architect

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Artificial Intelligence.