An Exploratory Study on AI-driven Visualisation Techniques on Decision Making in Extended Reality

AI visualization techniques significantly influence purchasing decisions in immersive environments: The study tested four distinct approaches—Inform, Nudge, Recommend, and Instruct—demonstrating that how AI presents information in XR can meaningfully shape what users choose, raising questions about the ethical boundaries of AI persuasion in consumer settings.

User autonomy must be preserved as AI becomes more persuasive: The researchers found that maintaining user control and choice is critical, suggesting that more directive techniques (like "Instruct") may undermine user agency in ways that "Inform" approaches do not, highlighting a key tension between AI helpfulness and user freedom.

Transparency is essential for building trust in AI-driven XR experiences: The study emphasizes that users need to understand when and how AI is influencing their decisions; without clear explanations of AI's role, users may lose confidence in the technology or make choices they later regret.

Context matters for responsible AI design: The findings suggest that visualization techniques cannot be applied universally—the same AI approach may be appropriate in some situations but problematic in others, requiring designers to carefully consider the specific context and stakes of user decisions.

Semi-structured feedback revealed design gaps: User interviews provided practical recommendations for improvement, indicating that involving actual users in testing AI systems before deployment is crucial for identifying potential harms and building more responsible AI applications.