Toward Needs-Conscious Design: Co-Designing a Human-Centered Framework for AI-Mediated CommunicationRobert Wolfe, Aayushi Dangol, JaeWon Kim, Alexis Hinikerhttps://arxiv.org/abs/2508.11149
Toward Needs-Conscious Design: Co-Designing a Human-Centered Framework for AI-Mediated CommunicationWe introduce Needs-Conscious Design, a human-centered framework for AI-mediated communication that builds on the principles of Nonviolent Communication (NVC). We conducted an interview study with N=14 certified NVC trainers and a diary study and co-design with N=13 lay users of online communication technologies to understand how NVC might inform design that centers human relationships. We define three pillars of Needs-Conscious Design: Intentionality, Presence, and Receptiveness to Needs. Drawi…