Simulation-based co-creation of algorithms

Co-Creation methods for interactive computer systems design are now widely accepted as part of the methodological repertoire in any software development process. As the community is becoming more aware of the fact that software is driven by complex, artificially intelligent algorithms, the question arises what “Co-Creation of Algorithms” in the sense of end users explicitly shaping the parameters of algorithms could mean, and how it would work. Algorithms are not tangible like tool features and effects are harder to be explained or understood, especially in early design phases without a software prototype. Therefore, we propose a Simulation-based Co-Creation method that allows TEL researchers to collaboratively design algorithms with end users by creating user stories and personas, modelling assumptions and discussing simulated effects. The method extends the build & evaluate loop of co-design iterations, even when the learning technology for the algorithm is not ready. Our proposal is a methodological idea for discussion in the EC-TEL community, yet to be applied in a practice.