Designing for AI-Assisted Workflows

Start with the actual job

AI features are easiest to judge inside a real workflow. Map the task first: the inputs, decisions, outputs, and points where a person needs confidence.

Then ask which steps benefit from assistance. A useful system may draft, classify, or organize, but the interface still needs to show the source material and the resulting changes.

Keep review close to action

A review screen at the end is often too late. Put small checkpoints beside consequential actions so people can correct course while context is fresh.

1. Show the proposed action.
2. Make the source and assumptions visible.
3. Let people revise or approve the result.

This approach keeps the workflow understandable even as more of it becomes automated.