Thinking With Machines: Human Cognition in the Age of GenAI

'Thinking With Machines' is led by Professor Niklas Elmqvist, PhD, Professor Marianne Graves Petersen, PhD, and Professor Peter Dalsgaard, PhD, all of Aarhus University. Photo: Olala

Published:

22.09.2026

'Thinking With Machines' investigates how human cognition transforms as generative AI enters everyday thinking environments. Across education, creativity, and scientific discovery, we combine ethnographic inquiry, interaction design, and participatory methods to map cognitive change, explore new human-AI collaboration forms, and build frameworks that preserve agency and critical thinking.

What

Thinking With Machines is a research center studying how generative AI transforms human thinking. We ask: how does, can, and should cognition change when intelligence flows between minds and machines? Through fieldwork in schools, design studios, and research labs, we map cognitive change, prototype new interactions, and build principled frameworks for a human-centered AI future.

Why

Just as the Industrial Revolution automated physical labor and sparked Denmark's cooperative and participatory movements, generative AI is now automating cognitive work. History is repeating itself – but for the mind. We must understand this transformation while it is still unfolding, and ensure that human agency, not technological convenience, guides our cognitive future.

How

Our method follows three interdependent phases applied across education, creativity, and science. First, we characterize ongoing cognitive change through situated fieldwork. Then, we experiment with new human-AI tools and interaction paradigms. Finally, we synthesize findings into participatory design frameworks that communities can use to shape their own AI futures.

Centre directors

Professor Niklas Elmqvist, PhD

Professor Marianne Graves Petersen, PhD

Professor Peter Dalsgaard, PhD