PromptCanvas: Composable Prompting Workspaces Using Dynamic Widgets for Exploration and Iteration in Creative Writing

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Amin, Rifat Mehreen ; Kühle, Oliver Hans ; Buschek, Daniel ; Butz, Andreas:
PromptCanvas: Composable Prompting Workspaces Using Dynamic Widgets for Exploration and Iteration in Creative Writing.
In: ACM Transactions on Interactive Intelligent Systems. (5 Juni 2026) .
ISSN 2160-6455
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1145/3817049

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Abstract

We introduce PromptCanvas, a UI concept that transforms prompting into a composable, widget-based experience on an infinite canvas. Users can generate, customize, and arrange interactive widgets that represent various facets of their text, offering greater control over AI-generated content. PromptCanvas allows to create widgets through system suggestions, user prompts, or manual input, providing a flexible environment tailored to individual needs. This enables deeper engagement with the creative process. In two lab studies, PromptCanvas outperformed both the conversational user interface (lab study 1) and the structured baseline, Wordcraft (lab study 2) on the Creativity Support Index. Participants found that it reduced cognitive load, while at the same time providing better performance. Qualitative feedback revealed that the visual organization of thoughts and easy iteration encouraged new perspectives and ideas. The field study (N=10) also confirmed these results, showcasing the potential of dynamic, customizable interfaces to improve collaborative writing with AI.