## 2 Review of Related Literature
### Existing Frameworks That Utilize Generative AI  
Generative AI is increasingly shaping user-centered design (UCD) by enabling dynamic content creation and rapid prototyping. Designers and researchers are actively investigating how generative AI can integrate into the iterative UCD process while focusing on users' needs. One such approach is the DesignFusion framework proposed by Chen et al., which incorporates multiple generative models into the conceptual design phase. This framework employs large language models (LLMs) and text-to-image models to generate structured design ideas, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of design possibilities [25]. To enhance the generative process, it decomposes design tasks into subcomponents using multi-step reasoning aligned with design attributes, providing a systematic approach to idea generation. Additionally, an interactive software toolkit allows designers to intervene at each stage, offering control over AI-generated outputs. By incorporating a mixed-initiative workflow, where AI suggests options and designers refine them, the framework fosters an iterative loop that supports real-time modifications. The transparency of this process further mitigates the \"black box\" nature of generative models [26], ensuring greater designer oversight and trust in AI-driven solutions.  
The AI-UCD framework proposed by Siricharoien offers a comprehensive methodology for embedding AI within established UCD principles. This framework seeks to systematically align AI capabilities with user experience design by emphasizing rigorous user research, ethical AI implementation, and ongoing validation. It is structured around nine key steps: assessing user needs, defining AI integration objectives, ideating AI-enhanced solutions, designing AI-driven interfaces, implementing AI functionalities, iterating based on user feedback, providing user training and support, continuously monitoring AI performance, and adapting AI behavior based on user interactions [14]. To ensure AI-driven features remain user-centered, the framework also introduces the AI-UCD Validation Model, which consists of five structured validation steps: user testing and feedback collection, analytics-driven evaluation, ethical auditing, iterative refinement, and compliance benchmarking against industry standards. This structured approach ensures that AI components evolve based on empirical data and user insights, allowing for sustained adaptability and alignment with user needs.  
While both frameworks integrate generative AI into user-centered design, they differ in scope and emphasis. DesignFusion primarily focuses on the conceptual design phase, leveraging AI to enhance ideation and provide structured design outputs through multi-step reasoning [25]. Its approach prioritizes transparency and designer intervention to enable controlled AI-assisted creativity. In contrast, the AI-UCD framework offers a broader lifecycle-oriented methodology that extends beyond design ideation to encompass implementation, validation, and continuous adaptation [14]. It emphasizes structured validation, ethical considerations, and long-term usability, ensuring AI integration remains aligned with user needs over time. Despite their differences, both frameworks underscore the potential of generative AI in supporting designers through iterative feedback loops and structured methodologies, demonstrating AI's growing role in enhancing UCD practices.