Short answer
When designing products or systems that incorporate AI or automation, anticipate the need for enhanced user skills and consider how the design can support human-AI collaboration.
- Field
- Innovation & Design
- Source
- Academic Publication (2017)
- Method
- Survey-based research
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
The adoption of artificial intelligence and automation in workplaces necessitates a workforce with higher-level cognitive and technical skills, rather than simply replacing human labour. This innovation & design research insight is drawn from a 2017 study published in Academic Publication. Using Survey-based research, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing products or systems that incorporate AI or automation, anticipate the need for enhanced user skills and consider how the design can support human-AI collaboration.
AI Integration Increases Demand for Upskilled Labour
The adoption of artificial intelligence and automation in workplaces necessitates a workforce with higher-level cognitive and technical skills, rather than simply replacing human labour.
Academic Publication · 2017
Key Findings
- 01Disruptive technologies like AI and automation are changing the nature of job roles.
- 02There is an increasing demand for higher-level cognitive and technical skills, not just a reduction in labour.
- 03Flexible labour models (e.g., on-demand, crowdsourcing) are becoming more prevalent.
Application
Design takeaway
When designing products or systems that incorporate AI or automation, anticipate the need for enhanced user skills and consider how the design can support human-AI collaboration.
How to apply
When designing a product that uses AI, consider what training or user interface adjustments are needed to accommodate users with potentially higher skill requirements.
Project actions
- 01Consider how your design might be affected by or interact with AI or automation.
- 02Research the skills required for users of your design and how these might change over time.
- 03Explore how flexible work models might influence the use or deployment of your design.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Addresses a timely and critical issue regarding technological impact on employment.
- +Provides a framework for surveying skill needs related to disruptive technologies.
Limitations
The findings are specific to the LAC region and may not apply to all global contexts. The survey relies on self-reported data, which can be subjective.
Reliability & validity
The reliability of the survey depends on consistent question interpretation across respondents. Validity is supported by focusing on specific technological impacts but may be limited by the self-reported nature of the data and regional specificity.
Think critically
To what extent does the 'upskilling' required by AI and automation create a new digital divide, excluding those who cannot adapt?
Design Principles
"Design for evolving skill requirements in technologically advanced workplaces."
This insight highlights the evolving nature of work due to technological advancements. Designers must consider how their products and systems will interact with an increasingly automated environment and what new skill sets will be required from users and maintainers.
What This Means for Your Design
Using AI and robots at work means people need to learn new, often more advanced, skills to do their jobs, and more people are working on flexible, short-term contracts.
How to use in your project
- 1.In your project, you could discuss how the skills required to use your designed product might evolve due to automation, and how your design addresses or could address this.
- 2.If your design is for a workplace, consider how AI integration might affect its use and what user support or training would be needed.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
The integration of AI and automation into workplaces is transforming job roles, leading to an increased demand for higher-level cognitive and technical skills and a rise in flexible work arrangements. Designers must consider these evolving skill requirements and the potential for human-AI collaboration when developing new products and systems.
Source
Academic Publication
Automation Artificial Intelligence On-demand Labour and Other Flexible Forms of Labour in the New IDB Employer Survey Skills at Work in LAC
journal · 2017
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about ai integration increases demand for upskilled labour?
- When designing products or systems that incorporate AI or automation, anticipate the need for enhanced user skills and consider how the design can support human-AI collaboration. Evidence: Academic Publication (2017).
- Why does "AI Integration Increases Demand for Upskilled Labour" matter for design?
- This insight highlights the evolving nature of work due to technological advancements. Designers must consider how their products and systems will interact with an increasingly automated environment and what new skill sets will be required from users and maintainers.
- How can designers apply this research?
- When designing products or systems that incorporate AI or automation, anticipate the need for enhanced user skills and consider how the design can support human-AI collaboration.
- What were the main findings?
- Disruptive technologies like AI and automation are changing the nature of job roles.. There is an increasing demand for higher-level cognitive and technical skills, not just a reduction in labour.. Flexible labour models (e.g., on-demand, crowdsourcing) are becoming more prevalent.
- What research method was used?
- Survey-based research.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2017 journal from Academic Publication.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing a product that uses AI, consider what training or user interface adjustments are needed to accommodate users with potentially higher skill requirements.
- What are the limitations?
- The study focuses on the LAC region, and findings may not be universally applicable. The survey's effectiveness relies on accurate self-reporting of skill needs and technology adoption.