Designing for Artificial Intelligence
A new age design manifesto needs to grow beyond its traditional scope. As an outcome, it needs to factor in the growing space and time ecosystem enabled by new age technologies like Artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. Hence the design principles of the past have evolved significantly to include new policies and principles.
Interested to explore what these new age design principles for AI are? Then read on..
1. It solves a real life human problem
The modern day design principles around AI should focus on solving a specific human problem. Going beyond the buzz and hype, a well-designed AI system has to concentrate on resolving a human problem (for e.g. delivering true value in service or product). The intent has to come out clearly when looking at using design to increase the value proposition of the AI system.
An example is the supportive body suit from SuperFlex. It mimics the natural body and muscle movement and helps out elderly people who have muscle or bone issues preventing them from carrying out routine tasks like moving hands or standing up.
2. Design for AI need not follow historical context
As mentioned earlier and as depicted by the emerging design trends, design need not conform to historical context. With new technologies it is obvious that design too needs to move beyond what we have experienced in the past and open our eyes to something totally new. This is essential when designers are working on truly ‘smart’ objects and should not be limited to just AI-based robots.
3. Design needs to understand the utility value of AI
AI was never designed or promoted to replace humans. It was instead designed to add value to human lives and make it more efficient/productive. If designers keep this basic difference in mind the resultant AI system would have better success potential in the market. When you are brainstorming for design ideas you need to ask yourself “Can AI complement human lives rather than replicate it?”
4. Good AI Design needs to help everyone
A smart AI based product needs to be embraced equally by the tech lover and the senior persons of the family. Typically it is seen that one person who brings the system inside the house loves it while others aren’t easily swayed by its prowess. Designers need to figure out how they can have the entire household to get to use the product and derive benefits from it.
5. Good AI design doesn’t get in your way
A designer needs to understand that the AI product has to be subtle and discreet in its functioning so that it delivers a stellar experience without getting in your way. Such a well-designed AI system needs to generate subtle signals about the action being performed without disturbing the activity that you are doing.
August Smart Lock is one good example here. It allows the user to unlock the door automatically when he/ she is nearby. You need not stop to take out keys from the bag or retrieve the smartphone from your pocket to unlock the door.
To conclude
With these principles in place, designers for AI systems will be in a truly remarkable place in the near future. This will be important as design will definitely be playing an increasingly influential role in building complex Artificial Intelligence solutions and systems.
