Deepfake technologies are often associated with misinformation and ethical concerns, yet AI-generated human representations may also have constructive applications in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), user-centered design (UCD), education, and communication. This tutorial explores how deepfakes can be used responsibly to support design processes, represent user groups as personas, and create more engaging persona formats.
The tutorial focuses on deepfake personas: AI-generated video-based personas that extend traditional profile-based personas through voice, facial expressions, and perceived realism. Participants will learn how deepfake personas differ from profile personas, what opportunities and risks deepfake personas introduce, and how deepfake personas can be designed and applied ethically in research and practice. The tutorial combines conceptual framing, practical demonstrations, and discussion, providing participants with concrete ideas transferable to research, teaching, design, and organizational contexts.
As deepfake technologies evolve rapidly, practical guidance for their responsible use remains limited. This tutorial offers an opportunity to engage with an emerging area before common practices become established. Researchers may identify new methodological directions and collaboration opportunities related to AI-generated personas and ethical AI. Practitioners may gain practical ideas for applying deepfake personas in user experUX design, communication, education, and user engagement. By the end of the tutorial, participants will:
- Understand the role of deepfake personas as a design modality in HCI and UX design
- Gain familiarity with practical tools for creating deepfake personas and avatar-based systems
- Learn deepfake persona design
- Recognize ethical challenges linked to deepfake personas
- Conceptualize responsible applications of deepfake personas within their own work
The tutorial is intended for researchers, practitioners, and students in HCI, UX, AI, digital design, social computing, marketing, and related disciplines. No prior technical experience with deepfake technologies is required.
- Format: Interactive tutorial combining lectures, demonstrations, discussions, and hands-on group work
- Duration: 2 × 90-minute sessions (3 hours total)
- Total of 15–25 participants
Organizers: Ilkka Kaate, D’alice Tshilemba, and Huma Adeel