Generative AI as a Mediator in Creator Collaboration: Challenges, Design Opportunities, and Concerns

Abstract

As Generative AI (GenAI) expands beyond individual workflows and becomes increasingly integrated into collaborative creative work, its potential to address the fundamental challenge of building common ground among creators with diverse expertise remains underexplored. Specifically, we lack empirical understanding of how GenAI can mediate collaboration asymmetries among heterogeneous creators. To address this gap, we conducted a multi-method study with narrative writers (N = 10) and visual designers (N = 10) in the context of game development. Our findings demonstrate that GenAI goes beyond individual assistance to serve as a collaborative mediator by aligning creative intent, sustaining shared understanding, and mitigating interpersonal friction among creators. At the same time, we highlight concerns that GenAI may reduce communication among creators, undermine mutual trust, and reshape interpersonal dynamics and collaborative processes. Based on these insights, we identify design opportunities for GenAI tools that nurture collaborative synergy while preserving the creativity and values of human work.