‘Human-Centered AI,’ An In-Depth Study Of The Current State Of The Artificial Intelligence Concept

Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HCAI) is a concept that seems to put human usage and access of AI technology at the forefront. To me, it seems in opposition to the “data driven” vision of some pundits, though there is the ability to differentiate between goals and development. “Human-Centered AI,” by Ben Schneiderman, is an excellent introduction to the concepts of HCAI. Be aware, though, that this isn’t a breezy, short, book aimed at quick review. This is a business school textbook. For management interested in governance and control, focus on part four of the book, discussed towards the end of this article. The section should be a must-read, even if you skim the rest.

That point is important so as not to surprise people. The book’s audience should be business personnel and students wanting a strong introduction to the issues of HCAI showing concepts that should then be drilled down into practice. It is for upper- and middle-management in the CIO, CTO, R&D and other more technical realms of an organization. The text is 376 pages in a font smaller than the usual business book. Give that content, this review will remain at a higher level than many of the book reviews in this column.

There’s an important thread running through the book. The author differentiates two different research lenses that can be used, that of science and innovation. The science approach is focused on what is possible from a technical view. Why it is being done doesn’t matter. On the other hand, Ben Schneiderman points to the innovation view, that of understanding how a technology can provide innovation in the real world. HCAI is driven from the innovation perspective.

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