At the same time, interaction designers also need to think about user privacy and data usage. AI systems usually require a lot of data to operate, but I don’t think people can just collect or abuse user information for the sake of training models. The purpose of the data should be explained in advance, and users should be given the right to choose as much as possible, such as whether to agree to share data, to help them build trust in AI instead of manipulating their behavior.

I think what we are facing now are completely different challenges. AI is no longer a tool in itself, but a part involved in decision-making. For instance, the AI writing tools, recommendation systems, and even chat AI like ChatGPT that we are currently using often help us make choices and filter information. This means that what interaction designers need to consider is not only whether the interface operation is smooth, but also whether the system is fair to users, whether it misleads or overly relies on others, whether the content recommended by AI is objective, and whether it exposes users’ privacy. All these are questions we need to ask ourselves.

I think designers of our generation face more responsibilities than those in the blackberry era. What we do is not just interaction, but designing the relationship between humans and machines. I think we should polish the details as carefully as we did when making blackberry keyboards, and at the same time add a new sensitivity: Is the system transparent? Does the user have the right to choose? Is AI really helping people? These issues may seem significant, but in fact, every time we put an AI recommendation tag and every time we give users a button to turn off AI suggestions, it is part of responsible design.

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.

AI technology should emphasize privacy protection by minimizing data collection and maximizing user control. Although AI relies on data, designers should collect only essential information and avoid excessive tracking. Clear privacy policies should be provided to inform users about how their data is used. Users should also have the option to opt out at any time, such as by disabling personalized ads.

As AI systems increasingly make decisions that affect people’s lives, designers must be vigilant about the biases embedded in algorithms and training data. They should advocate for inclusive development practices, push for fairness in automated decision-making, and ensure that users can control their data and opt out when possible. Privacy, consent, and accessibility aren’t just features—they’re moral obligations. Ultimately, interaction designers are the bridge between complex technology and everyday users, and it’s their job to make sure that bridge is safe, fair, and built with integrity.