Project
Citizen Science for Strengthening Human-Centred AI Development
Abbreviation
Focus area
Implementation time
1.1.2026
-
31.12.2026
Unit
Financing program
T&K-tukirahoitus (sisäinen)
UN Sustainable development goals
Project description
Can artificial intelligence help people find reliable information, guidance, and support for the self-management of low back pain? How should such services be developed to ensure that they are genuinely useful, safe, and easy to use?
The KITE (Citizen Science for Strengthening Human-centered AI Development) project develops and evaluates an AI-powered digital self-rehabilitation service with its users. The project utilizes a platform that provides evidence-based information, guidance, and support for the self-management of low back pain through conversational interactions. The AIRe service is not intended to replace healthcare professionals; rather, it supports users in self-management and provides access to reliable information.
In the project, citizens participate in the development of the service by testing the AIRe platform and sharing their experiences. For example, participants can ask the AI questions related to self-managing low back pain, explore the guidance provided, and evaluate how useful, trustworthy, and user-friendly the service feels. After using the service, participants provide feedback through questionnaires and open-ended comments. The collected information is used to further improve the service.
The study examines:
• what kinds of needs, expectations, and experiences users have regarding AI-assisted self-management support
• how easy to use and useful users perceive the AIRe service to be
• how trustworthy users consider an AI-based service
• how citizens can be engaged responsibly in the development of digital health and social care services
The project generates new knowledge on how artificial intelligence can be developed in a human-centered way, together with users. The findings will be used to support the further development of the AIRe service and will contribute more broadly to research, development, and education in digital rehabilitation and health and social care services.
Further information
PhD, senior researcher, adjunct professor
Eeva Aartolahti
firstnname.lastname@jamk.fi