The Evolving Role of Human Expertise in Managing AI Technologies
When rapidly developing with AI, developers need to implement best practices to maintain control over the development process
AI tools are imposing new demands on users. Unsurprisingly one of the reasons why design app Procreate recently announced it will never integrate Gen AI tools into its product. However, with these new user demands, the designer’s role is transforming into that of an orchestrator, with the critical job of balancing the flexibility and power of AI with the necessity for meticulous oversight and management. When rapidly developing with AI, developers need to implement best practices, such as versioning and roadmap planning, to maintain control over the development process.
New oversight of AI also questions the value of these tools and processes for business. While the proliferation of generative AI is invaluable for creative work, it’s only a relevant tool if you have a healthy perspective about when and how to use it. As leaders start to put a critical eye on managing the level of reliance on this technology, disciplined measures should be considered to avoid creating additional work and complexity for the users involved. Actions such as:
AI Should Enhance Curiosity - Not Replace or Stifle It
The technology will raise awareness and exposure to new ideas to create more work - better work. This challenges the adage of “working smarter, not harder.” In the age of AI it's “working smarter to work harder.” Using AI isn’t about removing work or saving time - it's about giving users the possibilities that were previously out of reach into the workstream so they can be utilized far more effectively.
Always Question the Process Behind What AI Is Supporting
Consider using AI as a top-down and bottom-up tool. AI is great at helping to expand and explore ideas; however, it currently lacks in terms of the middle work for users like further research and experimentation. Therefore, human expertise as a knowledge worker must adapt to a critical orchestrator to consider these new tools - we must expect more cross-over in disciplines to prevent reliance on automation that increases risk.
AI Shouldn’t Be a Crutch for Employees
It’s just the nature of work, some tasks are more enjoyable than others. Then some difficulties can make employees a more valuable contributor to the business. It’s tempting to drive everything through generative tools, however without a clear goal, the copious amounts of data produced could lead to more confusion.
AI Needs a Babysitter
With such powerful tools, mistakes are amplified quickly. Because the context of concern is often never fully translated into these systems, the responsibility to isolate the output of AI is on the user.
Applied appropriately, AI tools will elevate what we thought was possible and like most tools, they aren’t immune from healthy scrutiny and skepticism after all. One of the most important traits of design is to remain critical while aggressively applying technology in the context of what’s most valuable and that starts with human expertise.
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