As AI technology penetrates into product design, interaction designers must not only consider user experience, but also bear more ethical responsibilities.
Be transparent
AI-driven functions should be clearly known to users. For example, when users talk to AI customer service, the system should clearly prompt rather than pretend to be a real person. Designers need to find a balance between smooth experience and honest notification to avoid misleading users.
Prevent bias
AI may amplify bias in data, such as some recruitment software that has caused controversy because its algorithm discriminates against specific groups. Designers cannot rely entirely on AI’s “objective” judgment, but should actively check whether its output is fair and provide users with ways to question and correct it.
Avoid excessive manipulation
AI recommendation algorithms can easily trap people in an “information cocoon”, such as short video platforms that push similar content endlessly. Designers should retain the user’s right to choose independently, rather than blindly pursuing “precision feeding”.
Consider sustainability
AI training consumes a lot of energy, and designers should carefully evaluate whether AI functions are really needed to avoid adding unnecessary environmental burdens for the sake of “intelligence”.
In the AI era, interaction designers are not only shapers of experience, but also guardians of user rights. Only by balancing technological convenience and ethical responsibility can we truly make responsible designs.