Nature, Published online: 01 January 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-024-04104-8The lack of methods for preparing miniature lasers directly on silicon wafers is holding back photonic technology in a range of applications, including machine learning. The solution could be to construct lasers in nanoscale trenches.

Nature, Published online: 01 January 2025; doi:10.1038/s41586-024-08182-6Reply to: Limitations of ice cores in reconstructing temperature seasonality

The Quadrantids are the year's first shooting stars, peaking over North America between Jan. 3 and 4.

Situs inversus is a rare genetic condition that causes the organs in the chest and abdomen to be located on the opposite side from where they're usually found, like a mirror image.

Magic systems have been a part of video games almost ever since the creation of the medium. Here are the best ones for gamers to check out.

Manor Lords is a Medieval RTS/Citybuilder developed by Slavic Magic that has been making major waves, with a staggering 3 million wishlists on Steam, and over 170,000 concurrent players upon release. Today on Game Rant, we'll see if it lives up to the hype.

Marvel Rivals has provided players with over thirty different heroes to pick from and learn right from Season 0 - Doom's Rise. With so many different characters across the three roles of Strategist, Vanguard, and Duelist, getting to know every single hero and villain including their special combos or tips and tricks can be very time-consuming and often tricky to accomplish. However, those that are arriving in Marvel Rivals with a history of playing Overwatch will soon begin to see that many of the hero kits of each character mirror one or more Overwatch character's abilities or playstyle, which can make finding the characters for your Marvel Rivals hero pool that much easier - especially if you have a preference for something somewhat similar to your Overwatch main.

2024 was a huge year for indie games, with titles like Balatro, Animal Well, and UFO 50 garnering commercial and critical acclaim amid their AAA contemporaries. That momentum shows no signs of slowing down in 2025, with highly anticipated games like Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector and Hyper Light Breaker being released in January, followed by a slew of other exciting new titles, like Pathologic 3, Wanderstop, and more.Weve once again assembled a list of some of the indie games were most excited for. From stealth-action deck builders and moody mountain climbing sims to isometric roguelike shooters, theres something for every type of gamer and no doubt even more surprises waiting in the months to come.What indie games are you most looking forward to in 2025? Drop them in the comments.Hyper Light BreakerRelease date:Jan. 14 (early access)Platforms:Windows PCHyper Light Breaker, the upcoming 3D co-op roguelike from developer Heart Machine, has undergone a long and winding journey since it was first announced back in 2022. The wait is almost over, though, as the game is set to make its early access launch on Steam on Jan. 14.Set decades before the events of Hyper Light Drifter, Hyper Light Breaker allows players assume the role of a Breaker a warrior tasked with rebuilding civilization in the wake of a cataclysmic war. As you explore the world of the Overgrowth, taming its many dangers and rediscovering its many secrets, youll come face to face with powerful adversaries known as the Crowns in your quest to defeat the Abyss King and restore peace to the realm. Toussaint EganCitizen Sleeper 2: Starward VectorRelease date:Jan. 31Platforms:Windows PCThe new year is kicking off right when Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is released on Jan. 31. The follow-up to Jump Over the Ages text-heavy role-playing game Citizen Sleeper looks to expand on the original with its exceptional, dense science fiction lore. Nicole CarpenterMorselsRelease date: February 2025Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Windows PCMorsels looks like a game for the weirdos, and I mean that in the best way possible. Its a creature-collecting roguelite thats colorful, fast-paced, and not to be missed. From Furcula, a Toronto-based indie studio, Morsels doesnt yet have an exact release date. Nicole CarpenterWanderstopRelease date:March 11Platforms:Windows PCWanderstop is a cozy farming simulator with a dark side its what happens when a skilled swordsperson stops for a second to brew some tea. From the makers of The Stanley Parable and The Beginners Guide, Wanderstop will be released on March 11. Nicole CarpenterPsycho Patrol RRelease date:March 31 (early access)Platforms:Windows PCIf youre a fan of Cruelty Squad, the necrocapitalist nightmare sim developed by Ville Kallio, congratulations: their upcoming game is right around the corner! Described as a, mecha FPS hybrid police and punishment simulator, Psycho Patrol R puts players in the role of an officer of the European Federal Police tasked with upholding law and order in the decayed state of Pan-Europa. The game features a semi-open world, with levels designed to be explored on foot and within the cockpit of the players V-Stalker, a bipedal warmachine with customizable weapons. Toussaint EganCairnRelease date:2025Platforms:Windows PC, TBA consolesNot only does Cairn have gorgeous art and scenery, but The Game Bakers climbing game looks to have deep, complicated mechanics that mimic the actual nature of the act. (It also has a very cool backpack for messily storing your necessary equipment.) It looks like its Death Standing, but heading upward instead of across. Nicole CarpenterDeltarune chapters 3 & 4Release date:2025Platforms:TBAYep, the highly anticipated next two chapters of Toby Foxs Deltarune are expected to be released in 2025 over six years after the games original launch. The role-playing game is unique due to its turn-based combat and bullet hell elements; Fox also lets players choose peace or violence, just like in Undertale. Nicole CarpenterParalivesRelease date: 2025 (early access)Platform: Mac, Windows PCInZoi isnt the only life sim coming out this year! Developed by a talented team of designers led by Alex Mass, Paralives is a doll house life simulation that features an advanced character creator that not only focuses on facial and body features, but also customizable personality traits. Create your perfect dream house and guide your characters lives in and around an expansive open-world town when it launches in early access later this year. Toussaint EganPrimal PlanetRelease date:2025Platforms:Windows PCThis whimsical prehistoric metroidvania casts players as a cave dweller separated from his family on a strange alien world. Scavenge for resources, tame the elements, and fight against a slew of threats including carnivorous predators, rival tribes, and inscrutable extraterrestrials as you struggle to reunite with and protect your family. Toussaint EganPromise Mascot AgencyRelease date:2025Platforms:Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series XKaizen Game Works, the U.K.-based developer behind 2020s Paradise Killer, is back with a new game thats somehow even more original and irreverent than its last. Promise Mascot Agency is the worlds first (and best) Open World Mascot Management Crime Drama, centered on Michi, a disgraced yakuza lieutenant exiled to a cursed town to whip a bankrupt mascot company into shape. Like Paradise Killer, theres a dash of mystery thrown in, as youll also be tasked with uncovering the conspirators responsible for your exile. Toussaint EganSkate StoryRelease date:2025Platforms:Windows PCSam Engs Skate Story will be published in 2025 by Devolver Digital, though it was originally announced with a 2023 release date. Though theres been no shortage of cool skateboarding games over the years, Skate Story looks different, having players skate through hell. Nicole CarpenterSleight of HandRelease date:2025Platforms:Windows PC, Xbox Series XSleight of Hand is exactly the type of game that piques my interest: a third-person stealth-action deck builder about a hard-boiled private detective infiltrating a witch coven. Combining immersive sim environments with real-time stealth gameplay, Sleight of Hand is a stylish, noir-infused dark fantasy that Im eager to get my hands on later this year. Toussaint EganUsual JuneRelease date:2025Platforms:Windows PCDeveloped by Finji (Tunic), Usual June is a third-person action-adventure la Psychonauts that puts players in the role of a young girl who has the power to communicate with the spirits of the dead. Together with her friends, both alive and not, June must explore the coastal town of Fen Harbor and put a stop to an interdimensional anomaly that threatens to tear the fabric of existence itself apart! So yeah, no pressure. Toussaint EganTron: CatalystRelease date:2025Platforms:Windows PCBithell Games returns to the universe of Tron, this time for an isometric action-adventure. Tron: Catalyst centers on Exo, a resourceful program who is hunted by the overlords of the Arq Grid for their possession of a mysterious ability that threatens the stability of the system. Toussaint EganEnter the ChronosphereRelease date:TBAPlatforms:Windows PCHades meets Superhot is the best way to describe this new roguelike shooter. In Enter the Chronosphere, players assemble a ragtag crew of alien mercenaries to tackle the chronospheres planet-sized dungeons that are spreading across the universe, devouring whole galaxies in their wake. Within each chronosphere, time only moves when you move, so every second counts as you mow through waves of enemies and peel back the layers of these ginormous megastructures. Toussaint EganHollow Knight: SilksongRelease date:TBAPlatforms:Windows PCOriginally announced in 2019, Hollow Knight: Silksong has become the white whale of the gaming community. Developer Team Cherry delayed the highly anticipated sequel in 2023, but it seemed possible it would be released in 2024. That didnt happen, but Im still looking forward to a potential 2025 release. Ana DiazPathologic 3Release date:TBAPlatforms:Windows PCThe sequel to the 2019 cult classic Pathologic 2 sees players return to the Town on the Gorkhon River, this time as Daniil Dankovsky, a charismatic doctor obsessed with defeating death. Tasked with saving the town from a plague within 12 days, players will have to use a special device to travel back in time to influence major events, reshaping the story and opening new pathways to succeed. Toussaint EganPossessor(s)Release date:TBAPlatforms:Windows PCHyper Light Breaker isnt the only Heart Machine game on the horizon. Announced in 2024, Possessor(s) is a stylish side-scrolling adventure game where players assume the role of a pair of characters who must navigate the interconnected sprawl of a destroyed mega-city in the wake of an interdimensional catastrophe. Expect 3D environments, beautifully hand-drawn and animated characters, and fast-paced action. Toussaint Egan

Set in a quiet rural landscape, the Des Lauriers House located in Bromont, Canada and designed by Paul Bernier Architecte was created as a place to pause and reflect. Its three simple gabled volumes, traditional materials, and protected outdoor areas imbue a sense of stillness. Every element, from the glass entry hall to the vaulted living space, invites residents and visitors alike to step back, look out, and appreciate the natural setting. Two volumes, housing the main residence and a garage with guest quarters, feature brick and stone exteriors, while a smaller, cedar-clad barn completes the trio. Together, these simple forms and natural materials lend the property a subtle, enduring presence.Stone walls extend outward from the homes foundations, rooting it to the landscape. A fully glazed passage connects the house and garage, highlighting their distinct forms and serving as the main entrance. From this approach, visitors glimpse the surrounding plain beyond the property. Paul Bernier went on to say, We aimed to imbue this house with a sense of calm, a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere, as this is what we felt upon discovering the site for the first time.At the west end of the garage, an open-air kitchen and dining area is sheltered by soaring cedar ceilings and solid brick walls. A wide opening frames the mountain views, while a brick screen on the south side provides privacy and filtered sunlight. A discreet slot in the masonry helps release built-up heat in summer. Inside, the glass entry hall leads to the main living area, reached through a wooden partition that subtly directs movement. This central living space rises to the full height of the gabled structure, where horizontal openings give access to terraces. Overhead, a lime-plastered vaulted ceiling enhances the interiors quiet character.Throughout, a restrained palette of white oak, lime plaster, and stone maintains a calm atmosphere. Exterior materials such as brick, stone, steel, and cedar were chosen for durability, with deep openings, masonry pillars, and stone walls imparting a sense of permanence.For more information, visit paulbernier.com.Photography by James Brittain.

Our brains are wired to offload effort, and tools like AI systems are taking this to a whole new level. This natural ability to share our thinking with tools, people, and technology is the essence of distributed cognitionopening up thrilling possibilities for collaboration and innovation.Matt Chinworth, source: https://www.behance.net/gallery/155774751/nuffsaid-20-Magazine-IllustrationsDesigning for externalized thoughtOur brains are masterful delegators. We offload cognitive work onto everything from sticky notes to sophisticated software. This natural tendency to distribute our thinking across people, tools, and the environment is the essence of distributed cognition. It challenges the traditional view of the mind as an isolated entity, recognizing that our cognitive processes extend beyond our individual skulls.Imagine youre driving to a new restaurant with a friend. Youre behind the wheel, your friend navigates using their phone. Whos really doing the thinking here? Its a collaborative effort, a distributed cognitive system encompassing both individuals and technology. Just as a pilot relies on instruments and air traffic control, we all leverage external resources to think, learn, and solve problems.This principle of distributed cognition is particularly relevant in todays world, where we increasingly interact with AI systems that become integral parts of our cognitive processes. We need to design for the system of thinking, recognizing the dynamic interplay between individuals, AI agents, and the surrounding context. This isnt just about reducing cognitive burden; its about empowering users to think and work more effectively. By designing systems that seamlessly integrate AI into human cognitive processes, we can create tools that amplify human potential and redefine what it means to collaborate with technology.The origins of distributed cognitionHow do people on a navy ship navigate the ocean? Its not just the captain at the helm or a navigator with a mapits an intricate dance of people, tools, and time, working together in perfect sync. This is the essence of distributed cognition, a term introduced by Edwin Hutchins in his groundbreaking work Cognition in the Wild. Hutchins didnt just theorize; he observed real-world navigation processes, uncovering how cognition isnt confined to individual minds but is spread across systems of humans andtools.Winslow HomerWinter at SeaTaking in Sail Off the Coast (Used during a tribute to Ed Hutchins 25 years after the publication of Cognition in the Wild),sourceHutchins studies revealed that naval officers cognitive activities relied heavily on two things: social interactions and precise use of navigational tools. From these observations, he argued that real-world cognition isnt just about internal thought processes, as traditional theories like the symbolic paradigm suggest.Instead, its a systemic activity distributed across three key dimensions:Humans and their environmentCognition flows between people and the physical tools they use, like compasses, maps, or modern GPSsystems.Multiple individualsThinking often emerges from collaboration, with ideas bouncing between team members in dynamic interactions.TimeCognition builds on cultural artifacts and knowledge passed down from prior generations, creating a temporal thread of problem-solving.Hutchins proposed that to truly understand thinking, we must shift our focus. Rather than isolating the mind as the primary unit of analysis, we should examine the larger sociotechnical systems in which cognition occurs. These hybrid systems blend people, tools, and cultural artifacts, creating a web of interactions that extend far beyond any single individual.Adapted conceptual diagram by Florian Windhager and Eva Mayr,sourceThat was the 90s. Today, modern information technologies, especially AI, are revolutionizing the way we think and work by transforming how cognitive processes are distributed. Computers and AI systems take on repetitive and tedious taskslike calculations, data storage, and searchingfreeing humans to focus on creativity and problem-solving. But they dont just lighten our mental load; they expand and enhance our cognitive abilities, enabling us to tackle problems and ideas in entirely newways.Humans and computers together form powerful hybrid teams. As famously (but wrongly) credited to Einstein: Computers are fast, accurate, and stupid; humans are slow, brilliant, and together, unstoppable.Today, this partnership has opened up three key pathways for cognition:Human-only cognition: When people rely solely on their minds without external technology.Digitally supported cognition: Where humans and computers collaborate, with digital tools amplifying human intelligence.Autonomous AI systems: Where cognition is fully externalized into machines, allowing AI to operate independently of humaninput.Adapted conceptual diagram by Florian Windhager and Eva Mayr,sourceCognitive offloadingthe thinking partnershipBuilding on the idea of distributed cognition, where thinking emerges through the interplay of minds, tools, and environments, one key principle stands out: the concept of cognitive offloading. This refers to the way humans offload mental tasks onto the environment, using artifacts, technologies, and even other people to reduce the burden on their cognitive systems and enhance their ability to think, reason, and solve problems.Sense-makingwhether its tackling a complex problem, brainstorming ideas, or navigating everyday challengesdoesnt happen in isolation. Instead, it unfolds in collaboration with the world. By perceiving, exchanging, and manipulating information in hybrid systems of human-tool or human-technology interactions, we extend the boundaries of cognition far beyond the brain. Think of using a calculator to solve a math problem, or a collaborative app to plan a project. These are examples of offloading, where tools become partners in the cognitive process.Designing for cognitive offloading is crucial, especially in AI applications where users interact to form digitally supported cognition. The goal is to create environments that not only facilitate offloading, but also empower users to seamlessly and effectively extend their thinking.Principles of designing for cognitive offloadingLets take a closer look at some standout AI applications that excel at managing cognitive offloading and explore the key principles behind their effectiveness.1. Understanding user painpointsCognitive effort can feel like a form of pain. Mental effort is intrinsically costly, as it demands a significant amount of cognitive resources simply due to the way our brains function. This is rooted in how the brain manages energymental effort consumes glucose, the brains energy source, which can lead to fatigue and feelings of discomfort. This discomfort is often experienced as mental resistance or even avoidance, which explains why people are prone to procrastinate on mentally taxing tasks. Temporal Motivation Theory also supports it, stating that tasks perceived as difficult or unenjoyable, especially without immediate rewards, are likely to be postponed.Users are naturally drawn to tools that minimize this sense ofeffort.To design effectively, start by identifying pain points: observe user behavior, conduct interviews, and uncover the cognitive tasks that slow them down. Then, design features that seamlessly offload theseburdens.Braintrust, sourceFor example, Braintrust excels in helping users create job descriptions. By leveraging natural language input, the platform transforms a simple brief into a polished posting, eliminating the tedious mental effort of crafting one from scratch. The tool doesnt just save time; it also reduces decision fatigue by guiding users through the process intuitively, ensuring that key details are captured without requiring extensive knowledge or expertise in jobwriting.This approach empowers users by providing a framework they can build upon, blending automation with customization. Users can focus on refining and personalizing the output rather than starting from a blank page, making the process more efficient and less stressful.Some resources:How to make your AI project a successIxDF masterclass by Greg Nudelman. Among other things, Greg shares his approach to design the initial UX and importance of real-world constraints and value-based metrics.How to design experiences for AIanother IxDF masterclass by Greg Nudelman. Key takeaway from me in this one is how to adapt design process forAI.UX for AIa website curated by Greg Nudelman, featuring a collection of best practices, insightful talks, and opinion pieces on AI design. I recommend joining his mailing list to stay updated on new articles and resources.Doing UX research in the AI spacean article from GitLab handbook with practical tips on how to conduct UX research in the AI space, including research guidelines.2. Promoting collaborative problem-solvingUsers naturally benefit from tools that enable collaboration, especially when they help to offload cognitive tasks that might otherwise slow them down. Collaborative systems bridge the gap between human creativity and machine efficiency, lightening the mental load while enhancing productivity.Craft, sourceFor example, Craft App uses AI functionality to help users overcome writers block. When a user pauses or struggles to move forward, the app offers intelligent suggestions or continues the text seamlessly. This reduces the cognitive effort required to generate ideas from scratch, allowing users to focus on shaping and refining their thoughts. The collaboration feels intuitive, with the AI stepping in as a partner to share the cognitive load rather than leaving the user to face the challenge alone. By doing so, the tool creates an environment where creative flow is easier to sustain, enabling users to think and work morefreely.RedSift Radar, design screenshot by theauthorRed Sift Radar provides another strong example of collaboration that facilitates cognitive offloading. In this workflow, an AI copilot indicator appears next to a domains IP address, signaling interactivity. Evaluating the trustworthiness of a domain is a common task users perform on this screen, and the AI copilot anticipates this need, seamlessly providing a shortcut. With a simple click, users can ask questions about the selected domain and, among other things, assess its trustworthinessan otherwise time-consuming task if done manually. This collaborative approach allows the AI to handle the heavy lifting, streamlining the process and empowering users to make informed decisions quickly and efficiently.Some resources:Microsoft Research AI Frontiers are sharing some research papers on Human-Computer Interaction in PublicationsMy top recommendation from them is Guidelines for Human-AI Interaction (2019)a must-read.3. Using existing mental models andpatternsAccording to Jakobs Law, Users spend most of their time on other sites. This means they prefer your site to work the same way as all the other sites they already know. This principle extends beyond websites to any interface users interact with. Leveraging mental models and established patterns is a golden rule for reducing cognitive load, as it allows users to apply their prior experiences seamlessly.As you onboard users to a new AI-driven product or feature, guide them with familiar touchpoints.With AI-driven products, there can be a temptation to communicate the newness or magic of the systems predictions through its UI metaphors.However, unfamiliar UI touchpoints can make it harder for users to learn to use your system, potentially leading to degraded understanding of, or trust in, your product, no matter the quality of your AI output.Instead, anchor new users with familiar UI patterns and features. This will make it easier for them to focus on the key task at hand, which is building comfort with, and calibrating their trust in, your systems recommendations.People + AI Guidebook byGoogleFor example, Relume uses purple accents and sparkle emojis to highlight AI-powered features, which have already become an established pattern for communicating AI-supported functionalities, especially in products that are not AI-first. This approach facilitates cognitive offloading by reducing the mental effort required for users to identify and engage with AI functionalities. Instead of scanning the interface or reading detailed instructions, users can rely on these visual cues to quickly locate AItools.Relume, sourceSome resources:UI design patterns for successful softwarebefore exploring AI-specific patterns, its a good idea to refresh your understanding of standard ones, and this IxDF course is an excellent way to doso.While the design rules for AI are still being written, you can spot emerging trends on the Shape of AI websitea treasure trove of examples curated by EmilyCampbellVitaly Friedman also shared his observations in IxDF masterclass How to elevate the user experience of AI with design patternsThe People + AI Research team at Google developed a list of patterns as part of their Guidebooka comprehensive resource featuring methods, best practices, and examples for designing withAI.4. Leveraging progressive disclosureProgressive disclosure is a classic principle in human-computer interaction that simplifies complex interactions by introducing content and functionality in incremental steps. Instead of overwhelming users with all options at once, this approach reveals information as needed, based on the users progress through the system. This method is particularly effective in AI applications, where managing complexity iscrucial.For example, Airtables AI-assisted app creation flow uses a wizard-like interface, guiding users through bite-sized, context-aware steps. By tailoring the experience to the users specific goals, Airtable eliminates the cognitive load of filling out endless forms, making the process feel intuitive and manageable.Airtable, sourceAnother great example is Jasper, which uses tiles to present snippets of functionality. Rather than overloading users with the technical details of how text is generated, Jasper focuses on identifying the end goal of the collaboration between human and AI. This allows users to concentrate on outcomes, not processes, creating a seamless and engaging experience that reduces cognitive effort.Jasper, sourceSome resources:Progressive disclosurean article providing a detailed overview of the technique by JakobNielsen.Progressive disclosurean article by Frank Spiller from The Glossary of Human Computer Interaction book.Progressive disclosure: when, why, and how do users want algorithmic transparency information?a research paper exploring how to balance explainability with cognitive overload.Progressive disclosure options for improving choice overload on home screensa research paper that connects progressive disclosure with the concepts of choice overload and legibility, offering some practical insights.5. Ensuring gracefulfailureAI functionality is still new to many users, and errors are inevitable. The key is to ensure that mistakes dont disrupt the user flow entirely. Instead, the system should support users in recovering smoothly and continuing toward their goal. This is especially critical for AI systems, where trust can be fragilejust one glaring error can be enough to break a users confidence in thetool.Graceful failure means designing systems that handle errors transparently and helpfully. For example, if an AI misinterprets a query or generates a flawed result, it should provide users with an easy way to revise, retry, or understand what went wrong. By offering clear explanations, alternative suggestions, or fallback options, AI systems can maintain user trust and engagement, even when things goawry.A great example of ensuring graceful failure is Google Searchs AI-powered feature, such as These are results for [corrected term]. When a user misspells a query or submits something unclear, the system provides corrections or alternative results instead of returning irrelevant or empty pages. This approach gently guides users to relevant results, helping them recover from input errors without disrupting theirflow.Google, screenshot by theauthorSome resources:The importance of graceful degradation in accessible interface designan article by Eleanor Hecks on SmashingMagazineThe art of failing gracefullyan article by Solomon Hawk that explores both engineering and UX perspectives.An article Errors + Graceful Failure from People + AI Guidebook6. Contextual guidanceThe success of human-AI collaboration hinges on shared mental models between the human and the AI as a hybrid team. For this collaboration to work effectively, users need a clear understanding of the AI systems capabilities and how to interact with it to achieve their goals. However, expecting users to develop this mental model by reading through a lengthy knowledge base is unrealistic.A more effective approach is to provide contextual guidanceoffering help and explanations exactly when and where users need them. By integrating tooltips, inline prompts, or interactive tutorials, systems enable users to learn naturally as they engage with the interface.Contextual guidance supports cognitive offloading by reducing the mental effort needed to figure out how the system works. Instead of requiring users to remember multiple potential interactions or features, the system provides timely assistance, guiding them step by step and allowing them to concentrate on achieving their goals. This approach keeps users focused on their tasks while gradually building their understanding of the systems capabilities.Providing suggestions is one of the most common ways to help users build a mental model of how an AI system works. By offering relevant prompts, users can quickly grasp the systems capabilities and the types of interactions it supports. For example, in June, after connecting a data source and viewing their metrics, users can ask the system for insights. To guide this process, June AI provides starting prompts, giving users a clear idea of the types of questions they can ask. These suggestions make it easier for users to explore the systems functionality, fostering a better understanding of how to interact with it effectively.June, sourceSome resources:Mental modelsan article from People + AI GuidebookUnderstanding user mental models around AIan article by JoanaCerejoBuilding AI systems with a holistic mental modelan article by Dr. Janna LipenkovaGenerative AI is reshaping our mental models of how products work. Product teams must adjustan article by People + AI Research @GoogleHave some more ideas or examples? Share them in the comments!Final thoughtsDesigning systems that enable users to offload cognitive tasks opens up a world of exciting possibilities. By reducing the burden of tedious work, these systems allow individuals to focus on what truly mattersaddressing meaningful challenges. However, it is essential to carefully consider the risks involved, particularly the potential for overreliance on suchtools.Take calculators in schools, for example. When they were first introduced, some teachers went on strike, worried that students would lose essential math skills by depending too much on technology. Decades later, the jurys still outdid calculators help or hurt the way we learn math? Whats clear is that they changed education forever.This story reminds us that while tools designed for offloading can make life easier, they must be used thoughtfully. The goal isnt to let machines think for us, but to work with them to amplify our abilities. Finding that balance ensures we get the best of both worldspowerful tools that help us grow, without losing the skills that make us uniquelyhuman.AI and cognitive offloading: sharing the thinking process with machines was originally published in UX Collective on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.