This paper explores the integration of causal pathway diagrams (CPD) into
human-centered design (HCD), investigating how these diagrams can enhance the
early stages of the design process. A dedicated CPD plugin for the online
collaborative whiteboard platform Miro was developed to streamline diagram
creation and offer real-time AI-driven guidance. Through a user study with
designers (N=20), we found that CPD's branching and its emphasis on causal
connections supported both divergent and convergent processes during design.
CPD can also facilitate communication among stakeholders. Additionally, we
found our plugin significantly reduces designers' cognitive workload and
increases their creativity during brainstorming, highlighting the implications
of AI-assisted tools in supporting creative work and evidence-based designs.

探索因果路径图（CPD）与以人为中心的设计（HCD）的整合，研究这些图表如何增强设计过程的早期阶段。通过针对设计师（N=20）的用户研究，我们发现 CPD 的分支和其对因果关联的强调支持设计中的发散和收敛过程，同时也促进了利益相关者之间的沟通。此外，我们发现我们的插件显著减轻了设计师的认知负荷，并在头脑风暴中增加了他们的创造力，凸显了 AI 辅助工具在支持创造性工作和基于证据的设计方面的意义。