01 Designing Agentive Technology AI That Works for People 📚

Tags: #book #design #Christopher_noessel

  1. Christopher Noessel gave a talk on "agentive technology" at Google.
  2. Agentive technology refers to technology that is able to act on its own and make decisions.
  3. There is a history of caution towards technology and its ability to act independently.
  4. Examples of this caution include the myth of the sorcerer's apprentice and the Golem of Prague.
  5. Noessel discusses the concept of "autonomy" in technology.
  6. Autonomy in technology can improve user experience by allowing it to make decisions and take initiative.
  7. It is important to consider the ethical implications of such technology.
  8. Technology should be designed with a clear purpose and understanding of its limitations.
  9. User control and transparency are important in the design of agentive technology.
  10. Noessel identified a pattern in the design of technology that he calls the "autonomy spectrum."
  11. The autonomy spectrum ranges from fully autonomous to fully manual.
  12. Technology that is fully autonomous can take initiative and make decisions on its own.
  13. Technology that is fully manual requires explicit instructions from the user.
  14. Most technology falls somewhere in the middle of the autonomy spectrum.
  15. Noessel argues that the ideal location on the autonomy spectrum depends on the context and the task being performed.
  16. Technology that is too autonomous can be confusing and frustrating for users.
  17. Technology that is not autonomous enough can be tedious and time-consuming for users.
  18. Noessel presents the concept of "agentive interfaces" as a solution to this problem.
  19. Agentive interfaces are designed to balance autonomy and manual control.
  20. Agentive interfaces allow users to delegate tasks to the technology and give it some autonomy.
  21. At the same time, users retain control and can override the technology if necessary.
  22. Noessel gives the example of the GetNarrative camera as an example of an agentive interface.
  23. The GetNarrative camera takes photos automatically, but allows users to delete unwanted photos and add captions.
  24. Noessel also discusses the concept of "proactivity" in technology.
  25. Proactive technology anticipates the needs of the user and takes initiative to meet those needs.
  26. Noessel gives the example of the Nest thermostat as an example of proactive technology.
  27. The Nest thermostat learns the temperature preferences of the user and adjusts the temperature accordingly.
  28. Proactive technology can be useful in reducing the cognitive load on the user.
  29. However, it is important to consider the potential consequences of proactive technology.
  30. Proactive technology can intrude on the privacy of the user.
  31. It is important to design proactive technology with user control and transparency in mind.
  32. Noessel discusses the concept of "agency" in technology.
  33. Agency refers to the ability of the technology to act on behalf of the user.
  34. Noessel gives the example of the Google Assistant as an example of technology with agency.
  35. The Google Assistant can perform tasks and make decisions on behalf of the user.
  36. Agency in technology can be useful in reducing the workload of the user.
  37. However, it is important to consider the potential consequences of technology with agency.
  38. Technology with agency can be used to manipulate or deceive the user.
  39. It is important to design technology with agency with user control and transparency in mind.
  40. Noessel concludes by discussing the importance of considering the ethical implications of agentive technology.

Source: https://youtu.be/cciGZ3BsLwA