# StoryEnsemble: Enabling Dynamic Exploration & Iteration in the Design Process with AI and Forward-Backward Propagation

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2508.03182 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2508.03182/

## Key facts

- Cited by 2 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Builds on 31 of its 85 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 5 Aug 2025.

## Builds on (most cited first, 30 of 31)

- [Social Simulacra: Creating Populated Prototypes for Social Computing Systems](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2208.04024/) (2022)
- [CoAuthor: Designing a Human-AI Collaborative Writing Dataset for Exploring Language Model Capabilities](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2201.06796/) (2022)
- [Homogenization Effects of Large Language Models on Human Creative Ideation](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2402.01536/) (2024)
- [Promptify: Text-to-Image Generation through Interactive Prompt Exploration with Large Language Models](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2304.09337/) (2023)
- [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)
- [Sensecape: Enabling Multilevel Exploration and Sensemaking with Large Language Models](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2305.11483/) (2023)
- [LAVE: LLM-Powered Agent Assistance and Language Augmentation for Video Editing](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2402.10294/) (2024)
- [IdeaSynth: Iterative Research Idea Development Through Evolving and Composing Idea Facets with Literature-Grounded Feedback](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2410.04025/) (2024)
- [3DALL-E: Integrating Text-to-Image AI in 3D Design Workflows](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2210.11603/) (2022)
- [The Effects of Generative AI on Design Fixation and Divergent Thinking](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2403.11164/) (2024)
- [Writer-Defined AI Personas for On-Demand Feedback Generation](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2309.10433/) (2023)
- [PromptPaint: Steering Text-to-Image Generation Through Paint Medium-like Interactions](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2308.05184/) (2023)
- [CreativeConnect: Supporting Reference Recombination for Graphic Design Ideation with Generative AI](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2312.11949/) (2023)
- [DirectGPT: A Direct Manipulation Interface to Interact with Large Language Models](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2310.03691/) (2023)
- [Generating Automatic Feedback on UI Mockups with Large Language Models](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2403.13139/) (2024)
- [Prompting for Discovery: Flexible Sense-Making for AI Art-Making with Dreamsheets](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2310.09985/) (2023)
- [Exploring the Design Space of Cognitive Engagement Techniques with AI-Generated Code for Enhanced Learning](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2410.08922/) (2024)
- [GenQuery: Supporting Expressive Visual Search with Generative Models](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2310.01287/) (2023)
- [AIdeation: Designing a Human-AI Collaborative Ideation System for Concept Designers](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2502.14747/) (2025)
- [Inkspire: Supporting Design Exploration with Generative AI through Analogical Sketching](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2501.18588/) (2025)
- [Textoshop: Interactions Inspired by Drawing Software to Facilitate Text Editing](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2409.17088/) (2024)
- [Brickify: Enabling Expressive Design Intent Specification through Direct Manipulation on Design Tokens](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2502.21219/) (2025)
- [ID.8: Co-Creating Visual Stories with Generative AI](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2309.14228/) (2023)
- [PersonaGen: A Tool for Generating Personas from User Feedback](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2307.00390/) (2023)
- [DynEx: Dynamic Code Synthesis with Structured Design Exploration for Accelerated Exploratory Programming](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2410.00400/) (2024)
- [Compositional Structures as Substrates for Human-AI Co-creation Environment: A Design Approach and A Case Study](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2503.04103/) (2025)
- [SimTube: Generating Simulated Video Comments through Multimodal AI and User Personas](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2411.09577/) (2024)
- [Dancing With Chains: Ideating Under Constraints With UIDEC in UI/UX Design](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2501.18748/) (2025)
- [The Developers' Design Thinking Toolbox in Hackathons: A Study on the Recurring Design Methods in Software Development Marathons](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2206.04744/) (2022)

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

- [Dramarrator: Object-Based Audio Editing for Audio Drama Production from Books](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2608.08349/) (2026)
- [Personalizing Personal Health Interfaces: Co-Design with Generative AI](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2609.15046/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Design processes involve exploration, iteration, and movement across interconnected stages such as persona creation, problem framing, solution ideation, and prototyping. However, time and resource constraints often hinder designers from exploring broadly, collecting feedback, and revisiting earlier assumptions-making it difficult to uphold core design principles in practice. To better understand these challenges, we conducted a formative study with 15 participants-comprised of UX practitioners, students, and instructors. Based on the findings, we developed StoryEnsemble, a tool that integrates AI into a node-link interface and leverages forward and backward propagation to support dynamic exploration and iteration across the design process. A user study with 10 participants showed that StoryEnsemble enables rapid, multi-directional iteration and flexible navigation across design stages. This work advances our understanding of how AI can foster more iterative design practices by introducing novel interactions that make exploration and iteration more fluid, accessible, and engaging.