Per Aspera ad Astra, or Flourishing via Friction: Stimulating Cognitive Activation by Design through Frictional Decision Support Systems

My research proposal explores the frictional design approach to stimulate cognitive engagement in Decision Support Systems, especially so for those that adopt eXplainable AI techniques (XAI). The aim of these programmed inefficiencies is the mitigation of human overreliance, while promoting thoughtfulness and cognitive enhancement, and ultimately improving the effectiveness of decision-making. Specifically, I will explore how frictional design principles can be applied to the development of AI decision support systems in order to create interfaces that encourage users to engage with the system actively and thoughtfully, rather than passively accepting its recommendations, in the form of cautious, comparative, judicial or adjunct support. By increasing transparency and promoting cognitive engagement, frictional design can help ensure that XAI decision support systems remain valuable tools for decision-makers, rather than becoming a crutch or a source of manipulation.