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- Playing in the Sandbox: How a Low-Risk Environment Can Foster User Adoption of AI.
Playing in the Sandbox: How a Low-Risk Environment Can Foster User Adoption of AI.
Learn how to use safe and secure environments to overcome user fears and build trust in the AI.
Let's talk about fear. Specifically, the fear that users feel toward AI. It's a real problem that can cost companies potential users and profits.
When it comes to AI, fear can be a natural reaction for users. But why? It often boils down to perceived helplessness, unapproachability, and high complexity. Users may feel like they aren't in control of the AI and that it may behave unpredictably. They may find the idea of AI intimidating or overwhelming, leading to a reluctance to try it out. They may view AI as a highly technical and complex field that's too difficult to understand.
Fear can lead to reluctance, missed opportunities, and ultimately, missed profits. The key is to understand the source of the fear and address it head-on.
Odysseus was a brave and cunning warrior on a long journey back home to his kingdom of Ithaca. Along the way, he and his crew encountered many dangers and obstacles, but perhaps the most alluring and treacherous of them all were the Sirens.
These mythical creatures were half-women, half-birds who had the power to lure sailors to their death with their enchanting songs. They lived on a rocky island surrounded by treacherous cliffs and swirling currents, and many ships had met their doom by crashing into the rocks while trying to get closer to the Syrens' songs.
When Odysseus and his crew heard about the Sirens, they were both curious and afraid. They knew that they had to sail past the island to continue on their journey, but they also knew that they couldn't resist the Syrens' seductive songs if they got too close. So Odysseus came up with a plan.
He had his crew plug their ears with beeswax so they couldn't hear the Syrens' songs, but he himself wanted to experience their beauty without risking his life. So he had his men tie him to the mast of the ship and ordered them not to release him no matter what he said, even if he begged for them to do so.
As they sailed closer to the island, the Syrens' songs became louder and more beautiful than anything Odysseus had ever heard before. He was overcome with the desire to join them and begged his men to release him, but they held strong and kept him tied to the mast. Eventually, they sailed past the island and Odysseus was safe from the Syrens' deadly grasp.
When it comes to AI, the fear of the unknown can be a powerful deterrent for users. But like the clever Odysseus, we can overcome this challenge by encouraging users to take a leap of faith in a safe environment.
By allowing users to play with AI in a low-risk environment, such as a prototype or sandbox, we can build trust and understanding of the system. This trialability of AI not only reduces user concerns but also makes it more approachable and accessible.
The users are the children exploring the playground. They want to feel safe, yet free to explore and test their limits. They want to feel in control, yet curious to learn more. Trialability is key to encouraging this exploration, providing a safe and secure environment for users to play with the AI and build trust in its capabilities.
Just as children must be allowed to play on their own terms, so too must users be given the freedom to engage with AI in a way that works best for them.
By giving users the opportunity to experiment with the AI and see how it works in real-world scenarios, they become more comfortable with the technology and be more likely to adopt it.
💬 ChatGPT: A Case Study of Trialability
ChatGPT is one of the best examples of trialability.
Users can go in a separate Chat and try out different things, play around with different commands.
What makes ChatGPT so unique?
It’s sandboxed in a separate window. Users can choose what to use and what not.
It’s a familiar interface. Everyone has used and will use the chat.
It's low-risk. Users can experiment with the AI without worrying about damaging or breaking anything.
It's easy to access and use. No need for installation or any special equipment, just an internet connection.
It’s approachable. It feels like talking to a human, making it immensely approachable.
Trialability Starts Before the First Line of Code
Involve your customers in every step of the development.
Start with a small rollout of key users. Increase the degree of AI over time, but start at zero: First, let them play around with the mockups. Then show them sketches and get their feedback. Give them the predictions of your model verbally and see what they can do with it.They get to play around with the tool. They gain familiarity. We get easier adoption and valuable feedback.
Take their feedback in bringing it into the development of a prototype. Let the users try it out in a safe environment.Sandbox it, so they are sure nothing else breaks.Let them test-drive the system.
Gradually roll it out to a wider audience. Monitor the adoption of the different users.If a user doesn’t try it, bring them into the sandbox and explore their issues. Continuously collect and analyze user feedback to improve the AI and user experience.
Provide ongoing support and training to users. As the AI evolves and new features are added, it's vital to keep users informed and up-to-date.Share
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