Problem
The AI system incorrectly altered user input and the user needs to correct the system’s behavior.
Solution
Enable the user to revert to a previous state or undo the AI system’s actions.
Use when
- The AI system proactively and automatically alters the user’s input and might be wrong.
How
Enable correction by:
- Communicating that the AI system adjusted the user’s input.
- Providing a mechanism for the user to reverse the system’s decision.
User benefits
- It gives the user control to reverse automated system decisions.
- Increases efficiency because it avoids the user having to redo the entire action.
- Corrections indicate the system may not be perfect and give the user insight to how well the system can do what it can do (G2).
- When corrections are used to help the system learn (Guideline 13), a better user experience can be provided over time.
Common pitfalls
- It’s unclear to the user that they can correct the AI system.
- It’s unclear to the user how to correct the AI system.
- It’s unclear which system output the user’s correction applies to.
- In some contexts, such as driving a car, it might be inefficient, dangerous, or disruptive for the user to correct the AI system.
Keep in mind that repeated correction of the AI system can be costlier to users than performing the task themselves. If the AI needs frequent correction, consider disabling the feature or making it possible for users to disable the feature (see Guideline 17). Also, the AI system should learn from this behavior so it can improve over time (see Guideline 13).
