Artificial Intelligence (AI) is dramatically changing—reshaping—the human and design landscape of computers, the internet, and society. It is increasingly used in engines behind many decision-making tools and information resources, as well as in machines (vehicles, drones, robots, etc.). AI uses information models, structured data/content, real-world contextual sensor data, and formalized instructions to shape the machine’s “understanding” of information spaces and tasks. These elements are familiar to anyone working in the field of IA and UX. But the focus is changing: We now need methods to shape software that learns dynamically in real-time interaction with users. This talk challenges us to engage in the transformational change to our practice, designing for and with AI. Alongside a reflection on our vital roles, I present an emerging Collaboration/Action Framework to support AI design, helping us think about language, models, methods, and how we communicate with developers and stakeholders. During the conference, rich conversations emerged within the IA community about how our involvement in creating responsible and engaging AI tools will change and shape the IA community over the coming years. Duane Degler https://d4c.link/IAC23

1. IA-for-AI: An evolving framework for a changing IA practice
@ddegler #IAC23
1 April 2023 © Duane Degler
IA-for-AI
An evolving framework
for a changing IA practice
IA CONFERENCE 2023
duane@designforcontext.com
Internet: ddegler
In collaboration with Carol Smith and Rebecca Evanhoe.
Thanks to participants of the IAC22 IA-for-AI workshop.
Duane Degler
https://d4c.link/IAC23
and

2. IA-for-AI: An evolving framework for a changing IA practice
@ddegler #IAC23
1 April 2023 © Duane Degler
WHY IS OUR WORK IMPORTANT FOR AI?

3. IA-for-AI: An evolving framework for a changing IA practice
@ddegler #IAC23
1 April 2023 © Duane Degler
WHAT IS HAPPENING?
Printing press
Telegraph
Radio / TV
Telephone
Cable
(narrowcasting)
Computer Internet
Web 1.0/2.0
Social Media
AI
Cell / smart phone
Broadcast (one way)
Peer-to-Peer (2-way human)
Collaborative
Cell net
“Step Change” illustration in:
How to Design an Epiphany Engine, Karl Fast, #IAC23
A “Step Change”

4. IA-for-AI: An evolving framework for a changing IA practice
@ddegler #IAC23
1 April 2023 © Duane Degler
BUT… everything is moving so
FAST !!!

5. IA-for-AI: An evolving framework for a changing IA practice
@ddegler #IAC23
1 April 2023 © Duane Degler
We can make sense of this
BREATHE

6. IA-for-AI: An evolving framework for a changing IA practice
@ddegler #IAC23
1 April 2023 © Duane Degler
Dynamic IA: At the point of human interaction,
the human experience is with dynamic structures
IA/UX must allow many contextual forces to interact with each other
in a way that is transparent, yet able to be controlled by the user.
AN EMERGENT IMPLICATION
Dynamic Information Architecture—External and Internal Contexts for Reframing.
Duane Degler (2014) In: Resmini, A. (eds)
Reframing Information Architecture.
Human–Computer Interaction Series. Springer, Cham.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-06492-5_3
No Static: IA for Dynamic Information Environments
Duane Degler, IA Summit (2018)
https://d4c.link/IAC18

7. IA-for-AI: An evolving framework for a changing IA practice
@ddegler #IAC23
1 April 2023 © Duane Degler
Designing for AI: What should people who design AI know?
Hal Wuerta, IBM, 1st February 2023 (at uxdesign.cc)
“Designing for AI means designing for a human-machine relationship that is in flux.
This is in contrast to non-AI design where the relationship is static.”
“The machine is learning, and therefore, changing. In parallel, the human is learning,
and therefore, changing. This co-learning creates a dynamic feedback loop —
human and machine trading information back and forth, learning as they go.”
https://uxdesign.cc/design-for-ai-what-should-
people-who-design-ai-know-761e78fdabb

8. IA-for-AI: An evolving framework for a changing IA practice
@ddegler #IAC23
1 April 2023 © Duane Degler
ASK QUESTIONS OF THE TEAM
When asked to join a team / project
● What are the implications?
● How does the team anticipate the involvement of UX?
● What engagement with users is planned and possible?
● What challenges does the intended system introduce for your research/design?
● How much “engine room” work is needed for viability? What’s the blueprint?
“At the highest level, an AI designer should be an articulate champion
for the reasoning behind high ethical standards.”
Designing for AI: What should people who design AI know?
Hal Wuerta, IBM, 1st February 2023
https://uxdesign.cc/design-for-ai-what-should-people-who-design-ai-know-761e78fdabb
"With our negotiation
superpower, we can
think better and help
other people think.”
Carrie Hane, IAC23

9. IA-for-AI: An evolving framework for a changing IA practice
@ddegler #IAC23
1 April 2023 © Duane Degler
ASK QUESTIONS OF YOURSELF
When planning UX activities
● What kinds of activities will produce insights and value?
● How can we incorporate elements of IA/UX in our work?
● How do we make insights actionable and integrated with team materials?
“Creating the conditions for good communication, in this
dynamic human-machine relationship, is the formidable task
of the AI designer.”
Designing for AI: What should people who design AI know?
Hal Wuerta, IBM, 1st February 2023
https://uxdesign.cc/design-for-ai-what-should-people-who-design-ai-know-761e78fdabb

10. IA-for-AI: An evolving framework for a changing IA practice
@ddegler #IAC23
1 April 2023 © Duane Degler
When engaged in the design/development process
● Design with an expectation of co-evolution
● Provide feedback loops when releasing semi-autonomous entities into the world
● Engage responsibly with our dynamic creations
EXPLORE PRIORITIES FOR THE TEAM, YOURSELF
“In AI design, human-machine interaction is not about
designing for ‘day 0’ and inevitable degradation, but designing
the parameters of an evolving and ongoing relationship.”
Designing for AI: What should people who design AI know?
Hal Wuerta, IBM, 1st February 2023
https://uxdesign.cc/design-for-ai-what-should-people-who-design-ai-know-761e78fdabb

11. IA-for-AI: An evolving framework for a changing IA practice
@ddegler #IAC23
1 April 2023 © Duane Degler
BEGINNING TO SHAPE
A COLLABORATION / ACTION FRAMEWORK
Perspectives you may use to help explore
aspects of Human-AI relationships
● Continuous, evolutionary practices
● Rich Context models
● Time Cycles
● Healthy Human-AI collaboration

12. IA-for-AI: An evolving framework for a changing IA practice
@ddegler #IAC23
1 April 2023 © Duane Degler
UX IS A CONTINUOUS PROCESS
Startup, design,
initial training
Adoption,
maturing
Visioning
Research
Design
Training
Use
Feedback
Evolution
through use
“…designing the parameters of an evolving and ongoing relationship.”

13. IA-for-AI: An evolving framework for a changing IA practice
@ddegler #IAC23
1 April 2023 © Duane Degler
CONTEXTS
Understanding aspects of the environment
and the relationship between human and machine
Translating what we know about humans + machines

14. IA-for-AI: An evolving framework for a changing IA practice
@ddegler #IAC23
1 April 2023 © Duane Degler
HOW DO WE TRANSLATE
HUMAN CONTEXTS FOR
MACHINE RECOGNITION?
SITUATION
Location & proximity
Co-occurring events
Date / time
Participants
Devices / connectivity
ACTORS
Usage patterns
Experience
Interests / profile
History
Community
INFORMATION
Link relationships
Text patterns
Categories / keywords
Metadata
Data structures
ENVIRONMENT
Other people/things
Weather
Available resources
Politics/economics
Culture
TASK/OUTCOME
Outcomes / goals
Rules / requirements
Criticality
Sequence / status
Frequency for user
LANGUAGE
Dialect
Accent
Prosody
Behavior
Culture
Degler (2013). Supporting Relevance for Users: A Design Challenge https://d4c.link/semtech13
Degler (2018). No Static: IA for Dynamic Information Environments https://d4c.link/IAC18
Smith, Degler, Evanhoe (2022). IA for AI: Shaping the Experience for Human-AI Systems https://d4c.link/IAC22

15. IA-for-AI: An evolving framework for a changing IA practice
@ddegler #IAC23
1 April 2023 © Duane Degler
CONSIDERATIONS FOR CONTEXTS IN A CONVERSATION
Now: workday, between hectic day of meetings
Smart speaker connected to kitchen ordering system
Human and chat bot
Operating vehicle, ordering food, and payment
Fast food drive thru
SITUATION
Location & proximity
Co-occurring events
Date / time
Participants
Devices / connectivity
Smith, Degler, Evanhoe (2022). IA for AI: Shaping the Experience for Human-AI Systems

16. IA-for-AI: An evolving framework for a changing IA practice
@ddegler #IAC23
1 April 2023 © Duane Degler
CONSIDERATIONS FOR A MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS
Find the right information, probes for alternatives
Communication to/from colleagues as part of process
Past systems have been problematic
Diagnostic questions attuned to user’s protocols
So far, successful diagnosis for multiple patients
Physician has used system repeatedly
ACTORS
Usage patterns
Experience
Interests / profile
History
Community
Smith, Degler, Evanhoe (2022). IA for AI: Shaping the Experience for Human-AI Systems

17. IA-for-AI: An evolving framework for a changing IA practice
@ddegler #IAC23
1 April 2023 © Duane Degler
TIME CYCLES
Expressing the nature of communication & interactions
between Human-AI through the methods of IA
● Mapping
● Modeling
● Structuring
● Training
● Monitoring
● Refining

18. IA-for-AI: An evolving framework for a changing IA practice
@ddegler #IAC23
1 April 2023 © Duane Degler
CATALYST CLOSURE
Event
Act
Monitor
Request
Continue
Complete
INTERACTIONS
COMMUNICATION NEGOTIATION COORDINATION
TIME CYCLES OF INTERACTION

19. IA-for-AI: An evolving framework for a changing IA practice
@ddegler #IAC23
1 April 2023 © Duane Degler
VARIATIONS IN TIME CYCLE PATTERNS (an exploration)
Advisory
assessment personal improvement pathway
emerge, evolve
extend
act
extend
act
Longitudinal
research
research process
explore explore
Layered
exchanges
journey
Direct
interactions
transaction
?

20. IA-for-AI: An evolving framework for a changing IA practice
@ddegler #IAC23
1 April 2023 © Duane Degler
VARIATIONS IN TIME CYCLE PATTERNS (an exploration)
Advisory
assessment personal improvement pathway
emerge, evolve
extend
act
extend
act
Longitudinal
research
research process
explore explore
Layered
exchanges
journey
Direct
interactions
transaction
?

21. IA-for-AI: An evolving framework for a changing IA practice
@ddegler #IAC23
1 April 2023 © Duane Degler
TIME CYCLE: ORDERING BY VOICE
“Popsicle
please.”
Respond
Elicit
Detect
[Machine
lights turn on] “What
would you
like to
order?”
Elicit
“What
flavor?”
Confirm
“Which
one’s
best?”
Clarify
“Cherry is
the most
popular.”
Recommend
“Okay,
I’ll try
that.”
Request
“Can I
have
one,
too?”
Act
Act
[popsicles
drop
down]
[pay
for
popsicles]
Affirm
“Thank
you.”
“Do you
want
Cherry,
too?”
Elicit
Request
“No, I
want
Lemon.”
“One
Cherry,
one
Lemon.”
Confirm
Rebecca Evanhoe, from the IA Conference workshop:
Smith, Degler, Evanhoe (2022). IA for AI: Shaping the Experience for Human-AI Systems

22. IA-for-AI: An evolving framework for a changing IA practice
@ddegler #IAC23
1 April 2023 © Duane Degler
VARIATIONS IN TIME CYCLE PATTERNS (an exploration)
Advisory
assessment personal improvement pathway
emerge, evolve
extend
act
extend
act
Longitudinal
research
research process
explore explore
Layered
exchanges
journey
Direct
interactions
transaction
?

23. IA-for-AI: An evolving framework for a changing IA practice
@ddegler #IAC23
1 April 2023 © Duane Degler
CATALYST CLOSURE
TIME CYCLE: INITIATING SEARCH / RESEARCH
Formulate
Reflect
back
Clarify
Seek
Assess
Deliver Assess
Select Question
Explain
Clarify
Seek
Assess
Deliver
Select Collect
Learn
Instruct
Schedule

24. IA-for-AI: An evolving framework for a changing IA practice
@ddegler #IAC23
1 April 2023 © Duane Degler
Assess
Deliver
Explain
Instruct
Refine
Collect
Remove
Learn
Adjust
Question
Explain Seek
Assess Select
Deliver
Explain
Update
Update
Gather
Deliver
Reflect
back
Clarify
Seek
Adjust
CATALYST CLOSURE
TIME CYCLE: RESUMING SEARCH

25. IA-for-AI: An evolving framework for a changing IA practice
@ddegler #IAC23
1 April 2023 © Duane Degler
XAI EXPLANATION / COMMUNICATION ATTRIBUTES
Explanatory categorization, from What is an Explanation?
Poster session, IA Conference (2023)
Duane Degler https://d4c.link/IAC23

26. IA-for-AI: An evolving framework for a changing IA practice
@ddegler #IAC23
1 April 2023 © Duane Degler
VARIATIONS IN TIME CYCLE PATTERNS (an exploration)
Advisory
assessment personal improvement pathway
emerge, evolve
extend
act
extend
act
Longitudinal
research
research process
explore explore
Layered
exchanges
journey
Direct
interactions
transaction
?

27. IA-for-AI: An evolving framework for a changing IA practice
@ddegler #IAC23
1 April 2023 © Duane Degler
(recover?)
Identify
Identify Instruct
Act Explain Identify
Hand Off
Assess Act
Learn
TIME CYCLE: VEHICLE AVOIDING ROAD INCIDENT

28. IA-for-AI: An evolving framework for a changing IA practice
@ddegler #IAC23
1 April 2023 © Duane Degler
“Continuous Learning” is mutual, and inherent in future AI systems.
Consider how to design for state changes between sessions, and within AI ecosystem.
CONTINUOUS LEARNING
Human(s) evolve/learn,
and their needs change
Machine(s) evolve/learn, and
Information space evolves
EXPRESS
RESPECT
Human shares information
with system
Machine acknowledges
human evolution/learning
Machine demonstrates
evolution/learning
Human acknowledges explanation
of evolution/learning

29. IA-for-AI: An evolving framework for a changing IA practice
@ddegler #IAC23
1 April 2023 © Duane Degler
VARIATIONS IN TIME CYCLE PATTERNS (an exploration)
Advisory
assessment personal improvement pathway
emerge, evolve
extend
act
extend
act
Longitudinal
research
research process
explore explore
Layered
exchanges
journey
Direct
interactions
transaction
?

30. IA-for-AI: An evolving framework for a changing IA practice
@ddegler #IAC23
1 April 2023 © Duane Degler
TIME CYCLE: DECISION SUPPORT (MEDICAL ASSESSMENT)
CATALYST CLOSURE
Question
Refine
Identify
Describe
Reflect
back
Elaborate
Record
Prescribe
Suggest
Explain
Expand
Suggest Explain
Clarify
Question

31. IA-for-AI: An evolving framework for a changing IA practice
@ddegler #IAC23
1 April 2023 © Duane Degler
TIME CYCLE: DECISION SUPPORT (MEDICAL FOLLOW-UP)
CATALYST CLOSURE
Question
Refine Record
Discuss
Elaborate
Prescribe
Suggest
Explain
Expand
Suggest Explain
Review
Notify
Reflect
back
Elaborate
Question

32. IA-for-AI: An evolving framework for a changing IA practice
@ddegler #IAC23
1 April 2023 © Duane Degler
For example…
Communication attributes
(via taxonomy/ontology)
System events
(via activity diagrams, process flows)
MAPPING IN COLLABORATION / ACTION FRAMEWORKS

33. IA-for-AI: An evolving framework for a changing IA practice
@ddegler #IAC23
1 April 2023 © Duane Degler
VARIATIONS IN TIME CYCLE PATTERNS (an exploration)
Advisory
assessment personal improvement pathway
emerge, evolve
extend
act
extend
act
Longitudinal
research
research process
explore explore
Layered
exchanges
journey
Direct
interactions
transaction
?

34. IA-for-AI: An evolving framework for a changing IA practice
@ddegler #IAC23
1 April 2023 © Duane Degler
Time Cycles
Rich Context Models
Continuous, evolutionary practices
Collaboration /
Action Framework

35. IA-for-AI: An evolving framework for a changing IA practice
@ddegler #IAC23
1 April 2023 © Duane Degler
WHAT IS HEALTHY COLLABORATION?
Interaction factors:
● Communication
● Negotiation
● Coordination
Teaming factors:
● Roles
● Tone
● Calibrated Trust
● Awareness
● Value (sustained)

36. IA-for-AI: An evolving framework for a changing IA practice
@ddegler #IAC23
1 April 2023 © Duane Degler
● How are complementary roles and contributions fostered?
● How are responsibilities assigned?
● Roles may include:
● Direct users
● Larger societal groups
● Affected populations
● Other stakeholders
● Development and monitoring teams
COLLABORATION: ROLES

37. IA-for-AI: An evolving framework for a changing IA practice
@ddegler #IAC23
1 April 2023 © Duane Degler
● What does it mean to “respond appropriately”?
● How does the machine engender and communicate humility?
● How does the machine reflect culturally-appropriate communication?
● How is respect shown?
COLLABORATION: TONE

38. IA-for-AI: An evolving framework for a changing IA practice
@ddegler #IAC23
1 April 2023 © Duane Degler
● Calibration: Humans find balance between over-trust and under-trust
● What is “enough” evidence? How is it explained?
● What levels of transparency?
● Data provenance
● System capabilities and availability
● Bias identification and mitigation
● Acting for privacy and transparency
● How does evidence change, based on the human’s experience?
COLLABORATION: CALIBRATED TRUST
Hollen Barmer et al., Human-Centered AI, White Paper
CMU Software Engineering Institute, June 2021
https://resources.sei.cmu.edu/library/asset-
view.cfm?assetid=735362

39. IA-for-AI: An evolving framework for a changing IA practice
@ddegler #IAC23
1 April 2023 © Duane Degler
● Timing
● Interaction pace?
● Urgency?
● Frequency?
● How are turn-taking, information exchanges communicated?
COLLABORATION: AWARENESS
C
O
N
T
E
X
T
Brian Neese, Intercultural Communication:
High- and Low-Context Cultures. Aug 17,
2016. https://online.seu.edu/high-and-low-context-cultures
See also:
Elizabeth Würtz, Intercultural
Communication on Web sites: A Cross-
Cultural Analysis of Web sites from High-
Context Cultures and Low-Context Cultures.
Journal of Computer-Mediated
Communication 11 (2006) 274–299.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1083-6101.2006.tb00313.x
● What is the situational context?
● High-context culture –
implicit communication, nonverbal cues
● Low-context culture –
more explicit communication

40. IA-for-AI: An evolving framework for a changing IA practice
@ddegler #IAC23
1 April 2023 © Duane Degler
LOW CONTEXT & HIGH CONTEXT CULTURES
Adapted from THE CULTURE MAP – Erin Meyer
in: The Geography of Time
Alberta Soranzo, #IAC23
More detail from
Alberta Soranzo’s talk:
A Geography of Time

41. IA-for-AI: An evolving framework for a changing IA practice
@ddegler #IAC23
1 April 2023 © Duane Degler
● Will the collaboration build and sustain over time?
● How do we maintain a mutual exchange of value?
● How do we monitor changes in Calibrated Trust (reduced value)?
● How do we monitor and measure changes in outcomes - system effectiveness?
● More than personality – interactional (meaningful) exchanges - not transactional.
COLLABORATION: VALUE

42. IA-for-AI: An evolving framework for a changing IA practice
@ddegler #IAC23
1 April 2023 © Duane Degler
What is required for a healthy collaboration with an AI system?
Teaming factors:
● Roles
● Tone
● Calibrated Trust
● Awareness
● Value (sustained)
Interaction factors:
● Communication
● Negotiation
● Coordination
WHAT IS A HEALTHY TEAMING EXPERIENCE?

43. IA-for-AI: An evolving framework for a changing IA practice
@ddegler #IAC23
1 April 2023 © Duane Degler
SUMMARY: Perspectives for IA
We must be aware, be learning, and wherever possible, be involved
Perspectives toward a Collaboration/Action Framework
● Research, IA, design is a continuous, iterative process
● Contexts: translate human contexts for machine recognition
● Time Cycles: characterize communication
establish vocabularies for experience
● Collaboration: fostering a healthy teaming experience

44. IA-for-AI: An evolving framework for a changing IA practice
@ddegler #IAC23
1 April 2023 © Duane Degler
IA-for-AI
An evolving framework
for a changing IA practice
IA CONFERENCE 2023
duane@designforcontext.com
Internet: ddegler
In collaboration with Carol Smith and Rebecca Evanhoe.
Thanks to participants of the IAC22 IA-for-AI workshop.
Duane Degler
https://d4c.link/IAC23
and