We invite submissions to the topical collection "Participatory AI: Co-Designing Sociotechnical Systems", published in the Springer Nature journal AI and Ethics.
Submission deadline: September 7, 2026 Journal CFP: https://link.springer.com/collections/fehgbcihbb
This collection explores how participatory approaches can address risks and limitations of AI-powered technologies by engaging diverse stakeholders in the design process. Drawing on the sociotechnical tradition, it brings together work at the intersection of sociotechnical studies and participatory design, investigating how AI and digital systems can be co-designed to reflect shared values, accountability, and agency.
Topics of interest include (but are not limited to): - Methods, frameworks, and design solutions for participatory AI (co)design - Experiments, simulations, prototypes, or case studies of co-design in AI development - Strategies for balancing individual and collective needs in AI design - Critical reflections on challenges and limitations of participatory approaches - Analyses of power dynamics and ethical considerations in participatory AI - Experiences and lessons learned from co-design and stakeholder engagement - Assessing AI impacts through participatory and stakeholder engagement approaches
We welcome technical and non-technical submissions with theoretical, methodological, or experimental contributions. Interdisciplinary work is explicitly encouraged. Submitted manuscripts must contain at least 80% original content.
This collection is connected to the workshop Mind the AI GAP: Co-designing sociotechnical systems (HHAI 2025), but is open to all contributions aligned with the scope.
Guest Editors: Costanza Alfieri, University of L'Aquila Marta Marchiori Manerba, University of Turin Rui Prada, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa Beatrice Savoldi, Fondazione Bruno Kessler Ilaria Tiddi, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam