# Augmented Intelligence: Advancing Decision Making,Productivity, and Personalization Through Human-AI Collaboration by Joanna Kurylo **Date Posted:** 8/23/2023 --- Over the past few months, the term artificial intelligence (AI) has become nearly ubiquitous in everyday language. The surge of AI ideas in tandem with new applications is not just a fad. There is a visibly increased adoption of artificial intelligence in our daily lives, which some have coined "the [ChatGPT Affect](https://www.withum.com/resources/impact-of-artificial-intelligence-the-chatgpt-affect/),"  Artificial intelligence has entered mainstream life in several ways. AI is being used to generate a breakup text or draft a [cover letter](https://www.vox.com/technology/2023/3/8/23618509/chatgpt-generative-ai-cover-letter) for a dream job. Developers are solving real-world problems using [OpenAI's API.](https://mashable.com/article/openai-launches-api-chatgpt-whisper)   From breakthroughs in natural language processing and speech recognition to the emergence of powerful machine learning algorithms, artificial intelligence has become a driving force behind today's transformative technologies. As the boundaries of what AI can accomplish continue being pushed, some question whether the entity will "[take over the world](https://theconversation.com/worried-about-ai-taking-over-the-world-you-may-be-making-some-rather-unscientific-assumptions-103561)." ## Fear Of The Unknown There is an [omnipresent fear of AI](https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-65102150). People are questioning whether the growth of AI will lead to the potential loss of jobs (especially as AI advances and becomes more capable of performing jobs traditionally done by humans) and whether AI systems will become too autonomous. Some are concerned about the ethical dilemma of artificial intelligence and the conflict it yields between the potential benefits and risks. Concerns regarding privacy, biases, and the potential for AI to be used maliciously exist. The ethical dilemma also includes job displacement. Can and will AI replace humans as workers in the near future? Some of the fear is understandable. Throughout history, the growth of technology has led to  replaced jobs. Even something we now take for granted, electricity, has drastically reduced the labor required for traditional farming operations. [In the 1870s, agricultural workers comprised half of all workers.](https://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/41667073v5p6ch4.pdf) By 1900, this number had shrunk to a third, and by the 1950s to a mere fifth. ### Or Fear Unfounded? The advent of the personal computer and the commercialized internet spurred the birth of multiple industries and provided jobs to [10.65 million people](https://www.iab.com/news/study-finds-internet-economy-grew-seven-times-faster/#:~:text=The%20study%20also%20showed%20that,created%20by%20internet%2Dbased%20companies).  Moreover, as Deloitte’s Chief Futurist Mike Bechtel [recently opined](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mikebechtel_create-compete-nofatebutwhatwemake-activity-7070415450974683136-VnRz?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop), “[Artificial Intelligence] isn't going to put you out of business. Competitors (who creatively employ [AI]) are going to put you out of business.” So is there something deeper going on here? I believe so.   Since I geek out over data and trends, I took a quick peek into Google Trends to explore how the term "artificial intelligence" fared within the category of “interest over time.”(Google Trends provides data on "interest over time" or how popular a search term is by measuring the frequency of searches over time.) According to Google, the "numbers represent search interest relative to the highest point on the chart for the given region and time." Taking a closer look at the graph using the time range since 2004 and filtering for “Just the United States,” the term "artificial intelligence" peaked 3 times: In February 2004, with a value of 61. In January 2018, with a value of 66, and in April 2023, with a value of 100. Even at its lowest point (between June 2006 and August 2016), it never dropped below 12.  Now take a look at how the term “augmented intelligence” fares on the same graph. Notice a difference? Utilizing the same time range and filtering for the term "Augmented intelligence" peaked in February 2004 with a value of 5.  Artificial intelligence has been a prominent topic with widespread recognition for years, from technology publications to popular culture and media. Augmented intelligence, on the other hand, has not. # Augmented Intelligence: The Other AI So what is augmented intelligence, and how does it differ from artificial intelligence? While [artificial intelligence](https://www.oracle.com/artificial-intelligence/what-is-ai/) is a technology that simulates human intelligence to perform tasks or make decisions, “augmented Intelligence” utilizes the former to enhance and assist humans in tasks and decision-making. Gartner describes [”augmented intelligence](https://www.gartner.com/en/information-technology/glossary/augmented-intelligence)” as “a design pattern for a human-centered partnership model of people and artificial intelligence working together to enhance cognitive performance, including learning, decision making, and new experiences." Augmented intelligence may be an essential aspect of artificial intelligence, but it focuses on a critical component: the potential to enhance human activity and capability rather than replace them. I further believe that much of the fear regarding “artificial intelligence” is based on a fear of the word “artificial.” If what we are largely utilizing is the much more benign and positive “augmented intelligence,” then using that terminology more frequently will help move the conversation forward.   Augmented intelligence has the potential to change the world in significant ways, three of which I will focus on here: enhancing human decision-making; enabling personalized user experiences, and fostering collaboration; and productivity. ### Enhancing Human Decision-Making Both artificial intelligence and augmented intelligence aim to enhance human decision-making, but the approaches are different. Artificial intelligence is designed to independently make decisions or provide recommendations based on patterns and insights derived from data. Artificial intelligence can be used to analyze large data sets, identify trends, correlations, and even automate decision-making processes. [There are many benefits to this.](https://ai.stanford.edu/~nilsson/MLBOOK.pdf) Artificial intelligence algorithms can process information much faster and recognize patterns easier than humans alone. Artificial intelligence can even help humans with automating decision-making. Augmented intelligence, on the other hand, can help [enhance human decision-making](https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2020/03/10/augmented-intelligence-a-practical-guide-to-ai-in-the-workplace/?sh=4acdbbae65be) by combining the strengths of both humans and artificial intelligence. How is this accomplished? 1. Use of Contextual Information: Augmented intelligence systems can incorporate contextual information and human-driven domain expertise into decision-making. This contextual understanding helps ensure decisions are aligned with specific goals, requirements, and constraints. 2. Decision Support: Augmented intelligence systems can act as decision-support tools rather than decision-making automation tools. By offering recommendations and options, humans can help simulate scenarios, evaluate potential outcomes, or judge options to assess possible implications. 3. Ethical and Moral Considerations: Artificial intelligence systems can quickly provide insights driven by data, but an augmented intelligence system [can add the ability to understand complex ethical dilemmas](https://digitalreality.ieee.org/publications/what-is-augmented-intelligence). Utilizing augmented intelligence allows humans to incorporate ethical frameworks, cultural values, or even moral reasoning into decision-making. This ensures that said decision-making better aligns with the larger organizational mission.. 4. User Experience: Augmented intelligence is designed to support and aid human capabilities rather than replace humans altogether. Because of their ability to consider user experience, augmented intelligence systems focus on creating user interfaces that better align with human needs, preferences, and cognitive processes. Augmented intelligence systems can process vast amounts of data and identify patterns. Furthermore, they can provide valuable insights, recommendations, or tools to help humans improve decision-making and the larger decision-making process. Augmented intelligence also emphasizes the collaboration between humans and AI, recognizing the irreplaceable value of human judgment and incorporating it into decision-making. In doing so, augmented intelligence enables and enhances decision-making outcomes. Augmented intelligence amplifies human intelligence and helps make it more effective. By utilizing augmented intelligence to enhance human decision-making, individuals can make more informed choices in business, healthcare, finance, or personal life. Using augmented intelligence can lead to better outcomes and increased efficiency. ## Fostering Collaboration and Productivity  Artificial intelligence and augmented intelligence have distinct approaches to improving the workplace and human productivity. Artificial intelligence focuses on automating tasks, analyzing vast amounts of data, and providing insights and recommendations based on patterns and correlations. It excels in processing information quickly and recognizing complex patterns, which can lead to increased efficiency in specific tasks. For example, artificial intelligence can automate repetitive administrative tasks, analyze customer data for personalized recommendations, or optimize production processes based on real-time data. By streamlining operations, [artificial intelligence can help organizations become more productive.](https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/mckinsey/industries/advanced%20electronics/our%20insights/how%20artificial%20intelligence%20can%20deliver%20real%20value%20to%20companies/mgi-artificial-intelligence-discussion-paper.pdf) Augmented intelligence, on the other hand, takes productivity enhancement to another level by combining human expertise and artificial intelligence capabilities. Some ways augmented intelligence builds on artificial intelligence to improve productivity include:  1. Collaborative Problem-Solving: Augmented intelligence promotes collaboration between humans and artificial intelligence systems, fostering teamwork and innovation. Humans can work alongside artificial intelligence tools to solve complex problems while leveraging creativity, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills. By combining the computational power of AI with human intelligence, augmented intelligence facilitates collaborative problem-solving, enabling teams to tackle challenges more effectively and generate innovative solutions. 2. Adaptive Learning and Skill Development: Augmented intelligence systems can personalize learning experiences and provide tailored recommendations to individuals based on their specific needs and goals. By analyzing data on individual performance and learning patterns, augmented intelligence can identify areas for improvement and suggest personalized training or skill development opportunities. This targeted approach to learning enhances individual productivity by honing relevant skills and knowledge that can be applied to the task at hand. 3. Workflow Optimization: Augmented intelligence systems can analyze workflows and identify bottlenecks or areas of inefficiency. By providing insights and recommendations for process improvement (such as automating repetitive tasks, optimizing resource allocation, or identifying opportunities for innovation) augmented intelligence streamlines operations and enhances overall productivity within the workplace. By [harnessing the collaborative power](https://www.towardsdatascience.com/augmented-intelligence-the-future-of-ai-collaboration-227f611b0a65) of augmented intelligence, businesses can unlock the full potential of their workforce and achieve higher levels of productivity. ## Enabling Personalized User Experiences Augmented intelligence and artificial intelligence, each have roles to play in the improving personalization of entertainment, eCommerce, and healthcare. But it’s important to note how they differ. Artificial intelligence can analyze vast amounts of data and derive insights to personalize experiences. In entertainment, AI algorithms can be used to recommend movies or TV shows based on a user's viewing history and preferences. In eCommerce, artificial intelligence can suggest products based on a customer's browsing behavior or previous purchases. Artificial intelligence can analyze patient data in healthcare to personalize treatment plans or provide targeted health recommendations.  In short, [artificial intelligence-driven personalization](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/343583392_Personalisation_the_artificial_intelligence_way) offers a customized and tailored user experience that is both efficient and scalable. On the other hand, augmented intelligence enhances personalization by combining the strengths of both humans and artificial intelligence. Here's how augmented intelligence improves personalization in entertainment, eCommerce, and healthcare: 1. Contextual Understanding: Augmented intelligence systems can incorporate contextual information and human-driven domain expertise to enhance personalization. Augmented intelligence can provide more accurate and relevant recommendations by considering user preferences, demographics, and real-time contextual data. For example, in entertainment, augmented intelligence can consider a user's mood or current interests to suggest appropriate content, going beyond artificial intelligence’s data-driven recommendations. 2. User Collaboration: Augmented intelligence systems involve users in the personalization process, allowing them to provide feedback, input, and explicit preferences. This collaboration between humans and artificial intelligence helps refine recommendations and tailor experiences to individual needs. In eCommerce, users can actively participate by rating products, providing reviews, or specifying preferences, which augmented intelligence can incorporate to personalize recommendations effectively. 3. Human-Centric Decision-Making: Augmented intelligence systems consider human values, preferences, and ethical considerations in personalization. In healthcare, for instance, augmented intelligence can balance artificial intelligence-driven recommendations with patients' personal values and treatment goals. It ensures that personalization aligns not only with [data-driven insights but also with individual needs, cultural beliefs, and ethical frameworks](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7054540/). Ethical considerations in personalized healthcare are crucial for ensuring responsible and patient-centric decision-making[.](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7054540/) 4. User Experience Optimization: Augmented intelligence systems prioritize user experience by designing interfaces that align with human needs and cognitive processes. Augmented intelligence focuses on creating engaging and user-friendly experiences beyond AI's automated recommendations, leading to higher satisfaction and engagement. In entertainment and e-commerce, this can involve intuitive user interfaces, interactive recommendation systems, or personalized content discovery. Augmented intelligence enhances personalization by leveraging human insights, preferences, and collaboration alongside AI capabilities. By combining the strengths of humans and AI, augmented intelligence offers a more nuanced, context-aware, and user-centric personalization in many areas such as entertainment, e-commerce, and healthcare. This leads to enhanced user experiences, increased customer satisfaction, and improved outcomes in these domains. ## Conclusion Since the beginning of time, humanity has resisted change, and today’s society is no different.  It’s not surprising that humans are  wary of “artificial Intelligence.”  But some resistance might dissipate if people knew that much of the system is being powered not by anything “artificial” but rather by augmentation.  Artificial intelligence creates systems and processes meant to amplify human intelligence. But augmented intelligence builds on that system to enable individuals and businesses to improve decision-making, drive further productivity, and radically impact the world. The implications and adoptions of artificial intelligence will continue to expand, as well as the discussions on ethical implications and responsible use. By deepening our knowledge of augmented intelligence, society can realize the technology’s incredible potential: Enhance human capabilities, not replace them. ## Subscribe for more <form method="post" action="https://sendfox.com/form/3z9nrz/m2qggl" class="sendfox-form" id="m2qggl" data-async="true" data-recaptcha="false"> <p><label for="sendfox_form_email">Email: </label><input type="email" id="sendfox_form_email" placeholder="Email" name="email" required /></p> <!-- no botz please --> <div style="position: absolute; left: -5000px;" aria-hidden="true"><input type="text" name="a_password" tabindex="-1" value="" autocomplete="off" /></div> <p><button type="submit">Subscribe</button></p> </form> <script src="https://sendfox.com/js/form.js"></script> --- **Tags:** #blog/Technology --- [[Contact & Subscribe]] | Follow [@JoannaKurylo](https://twitter.com/joannakurylo) on Twitter Copyright © 2023 Joanna Kurylo All rights reserved.