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Conference Paper/Proceeding/Abstract 551 views 15 downloads

Less Redraw, More Explore: Suggestion and Completion for Sketch-to-Image

Zeyu Zhao Orcid Logo, Connor Rees, Gavin Bailey Orcid Logo, Matt Jones Orcid Logo, Simon Robinson Orcid Logo, Jen Pearson Orcid Logo

Proceedings of the 2026 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, Pages: 1 - 11

Swansea University Authors: Zeyu Zhao Orcid Logo, Connor Rees, Gavin Bailey Orcid Logo, Matt Jones Orcid Logo, Simon Robinson Orcid Logo, Jen Pearson Orcid Logo

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DOI (Published version): 10.1145/3772318.3791026

Abstract

Sketch-to-image systems let users transform simple line drawings into realistic images, but current workflows force users into tedious redraw-regenerate cycles that slow creative exploration. We introduce two complementary interaction techniques that reduce iteration friction: AutoSketch, which exte...

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Published in: Proceedings of the 2026 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems
ISBN: 979-8-4007-2278-3
Published: New York, NY, USA Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) 2026
URI: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa71270
Abstract: Sketch-to-image systems let users transform simple line drawings into realistic images, but current workflows force users into tedious redraw-regenerate cycles that slow creative exploration. We introduce two complementary interaction techniques that reduce iteration friction: AutoSketch, which extends partial sketches through AI-driven completions (pre-generation support), and BackSketch, which transforms generated images back into editable sketches at multiple abstraction levels (post-generation support). In a study with 30 participants, the results indicate that both techniques can improve exploration and expressiveness compared to a baseline sketch-to-image system, while AutoSketch also can increase users’ sense of agency and co-creation with the AI. We contribute new evidence that shifting support before or after generation opens distinct pathways for balancing user control and system initiative. Together, our results establish pre- and post-generation assistance as a design space for co-creative sketch-to-image systems.
Keywords: Generative AI, sketch-to-image, creativity, user interface, image generation, user study
College: Faculty of Science and Engineering
Funders: This work was supported by Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council grant EP/Y010477/1.
Start Page: 1
End Page: 11