When deciding to use AI, consider whether it should automate a task entirely or augment a user’s ability to perform it.  

Automation is best for tasks users prefer to delegate especially when they are - Tedious - Time-consuming - Or unsafe.  Augmentation enhances tasks users want to remain involved in - By increasing efficiency - Increase creativity and control.

Examples of Augmentation

1. Designing a poster: AI tools assist with resizing art or suggesting colors but leave creative decisions to the user.

2. Writing Music: AI tools like Magenta Studio in Abelton support creativity by offering simple controls to manipulate and create new music without taking over the process.

Examples of Automation

1. Sorting Photos by subject: AI can group a large photo library by faces, events, themes saving creating an ehanced expereincing of searching images.

2. Detecting Gas Leaks: Using AI sensors to identify leaks ensures safety and efficiency.

   
   

How to use this pattern

• Evaluate customer need using research synthesis tools like Empathy Map (visualise user emotions and perspectives) and Value Proposition Canvas (to understand user gains and pains) to select the best approach.

• Test and validate (qualitative interviews) which spproach eroded user expectation or enhanced it.

Check out Define Level of Automation to read more about related design Patterns