When developing smart technology or devices, used whether in manufacturing, retail, health or other enterprises to create an efficient business, smart home or Internet of Things, it is necessary providing constructive feedback from the users. In addition to already known practice, an innovative approach is proposed: at the initial/early stages of developmental process the designers, developers, manufacturers, users, and stakeholders are simultaneously involved in the co-creation of multidisciplinary solutions. This approach allows initially using competencies and taking into account capacity, interests and expectations of all participants in order to make truly synergistic solutions, thereby optimizing the entire process and eliminating unnecessary steps and time consumption. For this purpose, a scientifically based technology for synergistic solutions co-creation by vast diversity of agents is proposed, which involves the identification of a system-forming factor, a structure-content pattern and mechanisms of cocreation.
co-creation technology, eco-humanistic approach, HI-AI agents’ interaction, digital techniques and tools support
Increasingly, when developing smart technologies or devices in manufacturing, retail, healthcare,
business or everyday life, be it a smart home or Internet of Things (IoT) [
2023 Copyright for this paper by its authors. CEUR
ceur-ws.org discussions and statistical processing of the data obtained. However, at the current level of development of technologies, both digital and communication, the possibilities for interaction between the users and developers have significantly expanded. It is believed that today there are technological and methodological prerequisites for ensuring interaction in the format of co-creation of innovative solutions by multi-agents, based on multi-actor/sector/disciplinary interaction. Moreover, with the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), the time has come for synergistic human-artificial intelligence agents’ interaction.
The objective of this paper is description of innovative digitally supported model for providing cocreation of synergistic solutions by multi-agents based on their diversities.
An analysis of publications in the target area shows that while the importance of со-creativity is
recognized [
There is also a fundamental reason associated with a change in the scientific paradigm [
It is proposed to start the process by organizing synergistic interaction between designers, developers, manufacturers, users and stakeholders. This allows optimizing the process due to the initial strategic orientation towards the ultimate goal, ensuring the organization of actions into a system where the result of the previous action becomes the way to carry out the subsequent one. Optimization can be achieved not only through the initial organization of interaction, but also through the initial use of the existing resource potential of multidisciplinary competencies, taking into account the capabilities, interests and expectations of all participants to make truly synergistic multi-agent/sectoral/disciplinary solutions, thereby optimizing the entire process and eliminating unnecessary steps and time wasted.
The implementation of the proposed strategy is possible on the basis of scientifically proven technology for the co-creation of synergistic solutions, which is based on an eco-humanistic model of multi-agent interaction, in which diversity is used as a driving force for mutual development. Note that the proposed approach can be used both for human agents and for the interaction of human intelligence (HI) and artificial intelligence (AI) agents. HI - AI synergies can become a factor mitigating the risk of confrontation that is feared due to the intensive uncontrolled development of AI.
The essence of the eco-humanistic approach is that with the synergistic human-environment interaction, their mutual development occurs. Its efficiency depends on the capacity of the initial sensecognitive orientation, which sets the intensity and amplitude of mutual development. Human ambivalent desire for preservation and development is realized through the balance of personal/social senses, resources and conditions. The process of human agent development occurs both internally (via consciousness with its cognitive, communicative and regulatory functions) and externally (via behavior), which are interconnected according to the feedback principle and have an isomorphic structure, including the action with its subject, object and conditions. All components of internal and external activity, depending on the type of interaction, can fall into both the zone of influence and the zone of dependence. When organizing efficient synergistic interaction, it is necessary to take into account the holistic system, with all its interrelations and interdependencies, in order to purposefully influence the process of co-creation, where the individual and socially developed experience is reflected in the objects and connections of human agent neural networks. HI - AI synergistic interaction is possible if the principle of organizing HI agent neural networks is integrated into AI systems with deep learning on the principle of organizing neural networks based on statistical analysis.
Multi-agent interaction aimed at co-creation of synergistic solutions becomes the driving force of co-development, which in turn requires an understanding of its nature, patterns and mechanisms. In order to model, simulate, pilot, control, measure, duplicate, disseminate and sustainably develop the process of co-creation, it is necessary to identify its system-forming factor, structure-content pattern (symbiosis of meaningful structure and structured content) and mechanisms. Figure 2 shows the structure-content pattern of multi-actor/sector/disciplinary co-creation, including: a) activity (A) – cocreation of innovative synergetic solutions; b) actors (S) – agents in a multi-actor/sector/disciplinary alliance including researchers, developers, designers, practitioners, users and stakeholders; c) object of activity (O) – multi-agent synergetic solutions; d) conditions of activity (C) – the possibility of making multi-agent synergistic solutions depending on actual state, functions, situations and circumstances of the environment that simultaneously is developing and being developed.
The eco-humanistic model allows simulating the existential process of multi-agent synergetic interaction in order to develop an efficient digital support system at each scientifically based stage of multi-actor/sector/disciplinary solutions co-creation: 1) strategic sense-cognitive orientation of agents in the target area/product; 2) developing an ideal and real synergetic profile of multi-agent solutions; 3) mapping multi-agent synergetic solutions to an interactive map of the current state and changes/development of the target area/product; 4) system multiscale expert measurement of multiagent synergetic solutions potential efficiency; 5) planning the implementation of multi-agent synergetic solutions with the definition of specific deadlines and performers; 6) piloting and creating patterns of multi-agent synergetic solutions; 7) efficiency assessment, adjustment and creation of demonstrations/lighthouses of multi-agent synergetic solutions in the target area/product.
The set of digitized tools (see Figure 3) includes: 1) the interactive database “OmniBase”, which self-develops in the process of multi-agent interaction; 2) technology for overlaying profiles of multiagent solutions; 3) an interactive map of the current state and changes in the target area/product based on adopted multi-agent synergetic solutions; 4) interactive continuum of multi-agent synergetic solutions implementation; 5) an interactive multiscale system for measuring the efficiency of multiagent synergetic solutions; 6) technology for piloting and creating demonstrators of multi-agent synergetic solutions for specific target areas/products 7) technology for creating an Atlas of interactive maps reflecting dynamics of target areas/products development as sustainable development lighthouse.
Let's consider the digitized tools in the logic of the co-creation stages. The biggest problem of multiactor/sector/disciplinary interaction is the time-consuming and labor-intensive search for a “common language,” which is explained by multi-agents’ cognitive schemes diversities, both in content and level of development. Eco-humanistic technology allows providing effecient synergistic interaction of multiagents via development of their cognitive schemes, which determine the development of neural network objects and links in the process of solutions co-creation. Such science-based development is supported by a digital tool that sets a strategic sense-cognitive orientation for the eco-humanistic development of solutions. “OmniBase” (see Figure 4) represents an interactive cognitive resource for orientation in the target area/product based on a generalization of socially developed experience. It includes: (1) a search system for solutions that provides information upon request in the format of the structure of the co-creation process: (O) objects of co-creation: solutions in correlation with their potential efficiency, objects and agents; (S) multi-agent subjects of co-creation: experts – practitioners – stakeholders related to the target area of HR; (E) conditions of activity, specified by type, function and circumstances;
(2) a compendium of information relevant to the target field/product, presented in various formats (text, graphics, audio, video) in the form of articles, reports, case studies, interviews, precedents relevant to the field and structured according to the logic of search criteria.
(3) Co-creation involves true inclusivity, rather than formal or passive participation in making discussion or surveys. Such co-creation is possible only on the basis of the motivated activity of all agents. The gradual development of such motivation is ensured within the framework of scientifically based eco-humanistic technology through the integration of sense-cognitive orientation into agent’s sense-cognitive scheme, which is reflected in the development of objects and links of agent’s neural network.
Such an initial strategic orientation determines the involvement of the agent, which determines the efficiency of solutions and personal development as a co-creator followed by self-identification with the decision made. The technology of engagement involves the following stages:
(1) through the specific task of constructing an “Ideal Profile” of the target area/product, the activities of multi-agents acquire not only a cognitive and sense orientation, but also involve them personally in the process of co-creation. The agent becomes a co-creator of the solution, identifying her/himself with it, which fuels personal motivation throughout the process of making and implementing the solution;
(2) through the task of constructing a “Real Profile” for making a realistic decision based on detailed familiarization with the conditions of a given object, the development of critical thinking of multi-agents occurs, which, in turn, develops both cognitive and sense resources that determine the quality of the solutions themselves;
(3) “Ideal Profiles” and “Real Profiles” are transformed into a “Synergetic Profile” based on the original technology of superimposing sense-cognitive structures, which allows solving one of the most difficult problems arising in collective decisions: the systematic integration of diverse solutions into a holistic synergetic solution without losing the uniqueness of individual solutions. Innovative digital technology allows the transformation of individualized profiles into synergistic ones, which enables the identification and evaluation of solutions based on the relationships, competencies and needs of multiagents. The profiles are shown in the Figure 5.
Profiles reflect graphically: 1) an individual vision of multi-agents’ ideal solutions, obtained by selecting solution directions from the basic OmniBase matrix through a query to the search engine (“Ideal Profile”); 2) an individual vision of multi-agents real solutions, obtained by identifying the lines remaining in the matrix after removing decisions that are irrelevant to the identified developmental zones (“Real Profile”); 3) an integrated vision of multi-agent solutions, obtained by superimposing individual real profiles “Synergetic Profile” to identify: a) congruence as the basis for making a synergetic solution; c) diversity as the basis for discussions; 3) gaps as the basis for co-creation of a synergetic solution. In this way, technology allows us to identify similarities, differences and lack of solutions. The convergence of solutions in a synergistic profile allows to immediately evaluate, implement and disseminate a multi-agent solution. Differences signal a possible problem that can be efficiently resolved through cooperation. Gaps in the synergetic profile reveal the lack of solutions that can be developed within the same co-creation technology, repeatedly following the algorithm. Namely: resume the choice, but in relation to an object that has not received a solution. The iterative process will fill the identified gaps and arrive at a final solution.
The efficiency of multi-actor/sector/disciplinary solutions in the context of eco-humanistic
development is assessed by using a set of e-tools including a multiscale filter and a motivation matrix
(see Figure 6). Multi-dimension [
The “Evaluated Profile” reflects the experts' vision of the efficiency, relevance and performance of solutions through multi-scale measurement with appropriate tools, including:
(a) "Multiscale Filter" - an original tool based on the profile overlay technique, allowing multiscale
measurement of multi-agent solutions impact, efficiency, weight and performance;
(b) “Motivation Matrix” - an original tool based on the technique of superimposing profiles
reflecting the hierarchy of human needs - existential survival, quality and sense of life [
It is also measured: the efficiency of solving problems based on a formula that includes the
parameters of accuracy, speed and completeness; the complexity of sense cognitive schema based on
the profile overlay technique; professional, social and existential senses as well as meta-abilities
including meta-qualities proactivity, autonomy, objectivity, responsibility, flexibility, creativity and
empathy) based on original questionnaires. The obtained data is processed by statistical methods [
The creation of smart technological devices requires prompt feedback from users. To accomplish this task, Living Laboratory (LL) technology is used, which has significantly expanded its original functions of observation and direct data collection from users in a pilot experiment. Today LL are actively used for cooperative decision making by researchers, developers, manufacturers, users and stakeholders. However, the approaches used (discussions, questionnaires, teamwork, etc.) do not provide truly synergistic solutions and do not use recent technological capacity available. As an alternative, a scientifically grounded and experimentally tested innovative technology for multi-agent co-creation of synergetic solutions is proposed. The technology is based on an eco-humanistic model of multi-agent interaction, which uses diversity as a driving force. Defining a system-forming factor, a structure-content pattern in which the content is structured, and the structure is meaningful, and the mechanisms of interaction allows managing, simulating, piloting, measuring, multiplying, disseminating and ensuring the sustainability of the co-creation process. This approach involves designers, developers, manufacturers, users and stakeholders in its creation at the initial/early stages of the product development process. This allows not only to use multi-actor/disciplinary competencies and take into account the capabilities, interests and expectations of all participants to make truly synergistic decisions, but also to optimize the entire process, eliminating unnecessary steps and time costs. This is possible due to the creation of an ultimate strategic orientation, which allows organizing actions into a system where the result of the previous action becomes the way to implement the subsequent one.
The proposed innovative model of synergistic solutions co-creation without loss of multi-agent diversity is supported by a system of digital technologies and tools developed in strict accordance with scientifically based stages of development and decision-making: 1) creation of a strategic sensecognitive orientation of multi-agents in the target area/product; 2) personal involvement of multi-agents in the co-creation process through development of individual and synergetic solution profiles, based on multi-agents’ competencies, integrated into their sence-cognitive structure and reflected in their neural network; 3) specification of multi-agents’ understanding of changes causing transformation of a real area/product based on their solutions; 4) expert assessment/multiscale measurement of the potential efficiency of a multi-agent synergistic solution; 5) planning the implementation of a multi-agent synergetic solution with defining deadlines and performers; 6) piloting and creating patterns of multiagent synergetic solutions; 7) assessment of real efficiency, adjustment and creation of a demonstrator/lighthouse of a multi-agent synergetic solution in the target area/product.
A digitalized technology/tool has been developed to support each stage:1) the interactive database “OmniBase”, which self-develops in the process of multi-agent interaction; 2) technology for overlaying profiles of multi-agent solutions; 3) an interactive map of the current state and changes in the target area/product based on adopted multi-agent synergetic solutions; 4) an interactive continuum of multi-agent synergetic solutions implementation; 5) an interactive multiscale system for measuring the efficiency of multi-agent synergetic solutions; 6) technology for piloting and creating demonstrators of multi-agent synergetic solutions for specific target areas/products 7) technology for creating an Atlas of interactive maps reflecting dynamics of target areas/products development as sustainable development lighthouse. In perspective the eco-humanistic model can be used for providing synergistic interaction of human and artificial intelligence agents to prevent risk of confrontation arising due to the intensive uncontrolled development of AI.