# PromptCanvas: Composable Prompting Workspaces Using Dynamic Widgets for Exploration and Iteration in Creative Writing

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2506.03741 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2506.03741/

## Key facts

- Cited by 2 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Builds on 29 of its 57 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 4 Jun 2025.

## Builds on (most cited first, 29 of 29)

- [Program Synthesis with Large Language Models](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2108.07732/) (2021)
- [CoAuthor: Designing a Human-AI Collaborative Writing Dataset for Exploring Language Model Capabilities](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2201.06796/) (2022)
- [Grounded Copilot: How Programmers Interact with Code-Generating Models](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2206.15000/) (2022)
- [Does Writing with Language Models Reduce Content Diversity?](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2309.05196/) (2023)
- [Co-Writing Screenplays and Theatre Scripts with Language Models: An Evaluation by Industry Professionals](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2209.14958/) (2022)
- [The Metacognitive Demands and Opportunities of Generative AI](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2312.10893/) (2023)
- [A Design Space for Intelligent and Interactive Writing Assistants](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2403.14117/) (2024)
- [Creative Writing with an AI-Powered Writing Assistant: Perspectives from Professional Writers](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2211.05030/) (2022)
- [Graphologue: Exploring Large Language Model Responses with Interactive Diagrams](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2305.11473/) (2023)
- [Luminate: Structured Generation and Exploration of Design Space with Large Language Models for Human-AI Co-Creation](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2310.12953/) (2023)
- [PromptCharm: Text-to-Image Generation through Multi-modal Prompting and Refinement](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2403.04014/) (2024)
- [The Impact of Multiple Parallel Phrase Suggestions on Email Input and Composition Behaviour of Native and Non-Native English Writers](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2101.09157/) (2021)
- [Beyond Text Generation: Supporting Writers with Continuous Automatic Text Summaries](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2208.09323/) (2022)
- [VISAR: A Human-AI Argumentative Writing Assistant with Visual Programming and Rapid Draft Prototyping](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2304.07810/) (2023)
- [DynaVis: Dynamically Synthesized UI Widgets for Visualization Editing](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2401.10880/) (2024)
- [Choice Over Control: How Users Write with Large Language Models using Diegetic and Non-Diegetic Prompting](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2303.03199/) (2023)
- [Spellburst: A Node-based Interface for Exploratory Creative Coding with Natural Language Prompts](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2308.03921/) (2023)
- [Interacting with next-phrase suggestions: How suggestion systems aid and influence the cognitive processes of writing](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2208.00636/) (2022)
- [Generative and Malleable User Interfaces with Generative and Evolving Task-Driven Data Model](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2503.04084/) (2025)
- [Rambler: Supporting Writing With Speech via LLM-Assisted Gist Manipulation](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2401.10838/) (2024)
- [Adapting User Interfaces with Model-based Reinforcement Learning](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2103.06807/) (2021)
- [CodeToon: Story Ideation, Auto Comic Generation, and Structure Mapping for Code-Driven Storytelling](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2208.12981/) (2022)
- [Collage is the New Writing: Exploring the Fragmentation of Text and User Interfaces in AI Tools](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2405.17217/) (2024)
- [Storyfier: Exploring Vocabulary Learning Support with Text Generation Models](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2308.03864/) (2023)
- [Textoshop: Interactions Inspired by Drawing Software to Facilitate Text Editing](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2409.17088/) (2024)
- [The Dearth of the Author in AI-Supported Writing](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2404.10289/) (2024)
- [Automatic Histograms: Leveraging Language Models for Text Dataset Exploration](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2402.14880/) (2024)
- [ProvenanceWidgets: A Library of UI Control Elements to Track and Dynamically Overlay Analytic Provenance](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2407.17431/) (2024)
- [ACAI for SBOs: AI Co-creation for Advertising and Inspiration for Small Business Owners](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2503.06729/) (2025)

## Built on by (most cited first, 2 of 2)

- [Vidmento: Creating Video Stories Through Context-Aware Expansion With Generative Video](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2601.22013/) (2026)
- [DimSteer: Steering LLM Authoring with Automatically Discovered Stylistic Controls](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2610.04174/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

We introduce PromptCanvas, a concept that transforms prompting into a composable, widget-based experience on an infinite canvas. Users can generate, customize, and arrange interactive widgets representing various facets of their text, offering greater control over AI-generated content. PromptCanvas allows widget creation through system suggestions, user prompts, or manual input, providing a flexible environment tailored to individual needs. This enables deeper engagement with the creative process. In a lab study with 18 participants, PromptCanvas outperformed a traditional conversational UI on the Creativity Support Index. Participants found that it reduced cognitive load, with lower mental demand and frustration. Qualitative feedback revealed that the visual organization of thoughts and easy iteration encouraged new perspectives and ideas. A follow-up field study (N=10) confirmed these results, showcasing the potential of dynamic, customizable interfaces in improving collaborative writing with AI.