Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence: Reliable, Safe & Trustworthy

The new goal is to seek high levels of human control AND high levels of automation, which is more likely to produce computer applications that are Reliable, Safe & Trustworthy (RST). Achieving this goal, especially for complex poorly understood problems, will dramatically increase human performance, while supporting human self-efficacy, mastery, creativity, and responsibility. The traditional belief in computer autonomy is compelling for many artificial intelligence (AI) researchers, developers, journalists, and promoters. The goal of computer autonomy was central in Sheridan and Verplank's (1978) ten levels from human control to computer automation/autonomy (Table 1). Their widely cited one-dimensional list continues to guide much of the research and development, suggesting that increases in automation must come at the cost of lowering human control. Shifting to HCAI could liberate design thinking so as to produce computer applications that increase automation, while amplifying, augmenting, enhancing, and empowering people to innovatively apply systems and creatively refine them.