# Conversational Agents as Catalysts for Critical Thinking: Challenging Design Fixation in Group Design

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2406.11125 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2406.11125/

## Key facts

- Cited by 4 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Placed in Reasoning benchmarks and evaluation, one of 17 directions in LLM reasoning.
- Builds on 8 of its 48 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 17 Jun 2024.

## Placed in

- LLM reasoning / [Reasoning benchmarks and evaluation](https://mlsanity.com/lr/reasoning-benchmarks-and-evaluation/)
- LLM agents and tool use / [General LLM agent frameworks and benchmarks](https://mlsanity.com/agents/general-llm-agent-frameworks-and-benchmarks/)

## Builds on (most cited first, 8 of 8)

- [Encouraging Divergent Thinking in Large Language Models through Multi-Agent Debate](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2305.19118/) (2023)
- [AI-Augmented Brainwriting: Investigating the use of LLMs in group ideation](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2402.14978/) (2024)
- [The Effects of Generative AI on Design Fixation and Divergent Thinking](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2403.11164/) (2024)
- [Why and When LLM-Based Assistants Can Go Wrong: Investigating the Effectiveness of Prompt-Based Interactions for Software Help-Seeking](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2402.08030/) (2024)
- [ChoiceMates: Supporting Unfamiliar Online Decision-Making with Multi-Agent Conversational Interactions](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2310.01331/) (2023)
- [How AI Ideas Affect the Creativity, Diversity, and Evolution of Human Ideas: Evidence From a Large, Dynamic Experiment](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2401.13481/) (2024)
- [Beyond Recommender: An Exploratory Study of the Effects of Different AI Roles in AI-Assisted Decision Making](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2403.01791/) (2024)
- [Thinking Assistants: LLM-Based Conversational Assistants that Help Users Think By Asking rather than Answering](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2312.06024/) (2023)

## Built on by (most cited first, 4 of 4)

- [ClearFairy: Capturing Creative Workflows through Decision Structuring, In-Situ Questioning, and Rationale Inference](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2509.14537/) (2025)
- [Perspectra: Choosing Your Experts Enhances Critical Thinking in Multi-Agent Research Ideation](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2509.20553/) (2025)
- [Towards Automated Scoping of AI for Social Good Projects](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2504.20010/) (2025)
- [ChatGraPhT: A Visual Conversation Interface for Multi-Path Reflection with Agentic LLM Support](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2512.22790/) (2025)

## Abstract (arXiv)

This paper investigates the potential of LLM-based conversational agents (CAs) to enhance critical reflection and mitigate design fixation in group design work. By challenging AI-generated recommendations and prevailing group opinions, these agents address issues such as groupthink and promote a more dynamic and inclusive design process. Key design considerations include optimizing intervention timing, ensuring clarity in counterarguments, and balancing critical thinking with designers' satisfaction. CAs can also adapt to various roles, supporting individual and collective reflection. Our work aligns with the "Death of the Design Researcher?" workshop's goals, emphasizing the transformative potential of generative AI in reshaping design practices and promoting ethical considerations. By exploring innovative uses of generative AI in group design contexts, we aim to stimulate discussion and open new pathways for future research and development, ultimately contributing to practical tools and resources for design researchers.