- Humans + AI with Ross Dawson
- Posts
- 8 Nov
8 Nov
“Man–computer symbiosis is an expected development in cooperative interaction.” — J. C. R. Licklider
From cognitive corruption to cognitive enhancement.
Yes, there are real and potential negative impacts on our thinking and cognition of using AI. But effective design and use can result in better outcomes and improved thinking. The Spectrum of Cognitive Impact of AI framework identifies 8 levels of cognitive impact, pointing to how we can move up the spectrum.
Be well!
Ross
📖In this issue
Framework: Spectrum of Cognitive Impact of AI
Humans + AI update: AI for innovation and humans in the loop, human-focused work is increasing, and 7 major trends in work.
From Humans + AI Explorers Community: The T-Bloat and FRAME concepts, junior consultants lead AI agent teams, 9 + 9 + 5 = 100, and more
Humans + AI Podcast: Dominique Turcq on strategy stakeholders, AI for board critical thinking, ecology of mind, and amplifying cognition
💡Framework: Spectrum of Cognitive Impact of AI
Amid all the valid concerns about negative cognitive impact of AI, we also need to recognize the potential to augment our thinking and mental models.
This framework identifies 8 levels of cognitive impact of AI, each an outcome of the combination of AI and interface design, and how the tools are used.
The intention is to clarify the different modes, and provide a framework for the intent and design of moving up the spectrum.
🧠🤖Humans + AI
McKinsey State of AI report on augmentation and humans in the loop
McKinsey’s State of AI Global Survey provides a great insight into where things are with enterprise AI adoption. In short, everyone’s doing it, but most are early in the journey. The study does highlight augmentation in innovation and other domains, and the effective design of "humans in the loop” as a best practice.
EPOCH (Empathy, Presence, Opinion, Creativity, and Hope) tasks and jobs are growing
The research showed new tasks introduced between 2016 and 2024 scored 0.256 standard deviations higher on EPOCH capabilities, and even current tasks scored higher than retired ones. There is a clear directional shift in the labor market toward human-intensive work.
7 major trends shaping work in the AI age
A BCG report identifies 7 major trends shaping work. One intriguing one: Location strategy is being rethought as human work shifts to higher-value activities - As AI handles execution, global capability centers transition from transactional to innovation-driven hubs, focusing on AI pilots and strategic value creation aligned with emerging skill and location priorities.
🌐From Humans + AI Explorers Community
Lots going on in the Humans + AI Explorers Community.
We have also extended the free trial so you can experience 30 days of the entire community before choosing to continue with that or the free access.
An excellent live Campfire meeting of our AI in Learning & Education group which discussed the T-Bloat framework and FRAME approach to integrating AI into learning.
Discussion of the implications of KPMG training junior consultants to lead AI agent teams.
Excellent insights on 9+9 + 5 = 100: 9 Mistakes CEOs Make, 5 Load-Bearing Walls, 9 Signals Something’s Shifting in AI adoption.
And far more, with a host of upcoming events!
🎙️This week’s podcast episode
 | Dominique Turcq on strategy stakeholders, AI for board critical thinking, ecology of mind, and amplifying cognition |
Why you should listen
Strategy doyen Dominique Turcq brings extensive experience in foresight, strategy, and AI to bear in framing how we can build an ecology of mind and ecology of organizations.
Thanks for reading!
Ross Dawson and team