Crafting in a digital time : A qualitative study on craftsmen's experiences of AI in the craft process
Year: 2026
Type: dissertation
Abstract: In recent times, generative artificial intelligence (GAI) has quickly become a part of both everyday life and working life. It is used across a wide range of applications, including the generation of text, images, video, code, and audio. As its influence continues to expand, GAI is increasingly entering more traditional domains that have long been considered uniquely human, such as craftsmanship. This study aims to answer the question: “How do hobby craftsmen experience AI-based decisions and recommendations in the crafting process, with regard to decision-making, trust and creativity?”. The three main categories which were studied were decision-making, trust, and creativity. By using qualitive method semi-structured interviews, in combination with the use of a thematic analysis, we found that AI is more seen as a complement, not a decision-maker, its effect on creativity varies and most respondents claimed that they don’t fully trust its recommendations or decisions. This study shows that AI is more suitable as a support, rather than something that takes over the crafting process.
Language: Swedish
Topic: Art, Technology, and Culture
Subfield: Visual Arts and Performing Arts
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7162961022