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TECHNOLOGY &CULTUREWe hold the power to shape AI responsiblyThe Sistine Chapel ceiling by Michelangelo, photo by SnapSaga onUnsplashWe are at a pivotal moment in the evolution of AI. AI holds the power to transform human experiences, amplify creativity, and tackle global challengesbut only if it is intentionally designed, developed, and implemented to serve humanity with integrity, empathy, and purpose. It must enhance human flourishing, protect diversity, and uphold ethicalvalues.As researchers, designers, project managers, developers, and users, we share a responsibility to ensure that AI uplifts humanity, bridges divides, and creates equitable opportunities. By aligning our efforts, we co-create a future where AI is a force for connection, empowerment, and shared prosperity.This manifesto outlines principles and commitments to ensure AI remains a tool for human betterment, fostering well-being and inclusion rather thanharm.Principles of human-centered AI1. Prioritize human flourishingAI must prioritize human well-being at all levelsindividual, systemic, and environmental. It should empower people to live purposeful, fulfilling lives while fostering holistic well-being, creativity, and ethical harmony. Every decision should actively promote purpose, agency, and ethical living while addressing diverse physical, mental, and socialneeds.2. Embed transparency and accountabilityAI systems must be designed with clarity and openness, enabling users to understand how their data is used and the implications of AI decisions. Clear communication about how AI functions, how data is processed, and who is accountable for its outcomes is essential. Developers and organizations must take responsibility for the ethical and societal impacts of their technologies, ensuring user empowerment through ethical oversight.3. Foster inclusivity and representationAI should reflect and respect the full spectrum of human diversity. This involves designing systems that reflect underrepresented voices, preserve cultural richness, and prioritize inclusivity in every interaction. Fairness begins with diverse datasets, equitable algorithms, and a commitment to identifying and addressing biases throughout development.4. Design for context and adaptabilityAI must adapt to the social, cultural, and individual environments in which it operates. This means understanding user goals, respecting regional norms and values, and tailoring solutions to specific needs. Systems should remain flexible to evolve with changing circumstances while avoiding harmful generalizations or one-size-fits-all approaches that risk undermining trust and effectiveness.5. Collaboration between humans andAIAI should complementnot replacehuman creativity, empathy, and critical thinking. By leveraging AIs strengths alongside human judgment, we can create solutions that are efficient, meaningful, and empowering. Teams must design systems that enhance human capabilities while ensuring that people remain at the center of innovation.6. Commit to ethical data practicesData collection, storage, and usage must prioritize privacy, security, and consent. AI systems should minimize risks to sensitive information and reject practices that incentivize over-collection or misuse of data. Clear data policies, secure infrastructures, and mechanisms that give users control over their personal information are essential for ethical AI practices.7. Continuously learn andevolveAI strategies must evolve in step with technological advancements and societal expectations. Teams must prioritize ongoing education, critically evaluate emerging capabilities, and recalibrate their approaches as needed to keep human needs at the forefront. Continuous iteration ensures AI aligns with evolving values and remains relevant and impactful.Commitments toactionEach of the principles above reflect actions we can take as practitioners designing products and services in the Age ofAI:Prioritize people: Make human well-being the cornerstone of every decision. Design AI systems that promote purpose, agency, and holistic well-being at the individual, systemic, and environmental levels.Design for transparency and accountability: Build systems that are easy to understand and inspire trust by clearly communicating how AI functions and how data is used. Support thoughtful governance and advocate for ethical oversight to ensure accountability in AI development and deployment.Eliminate bias: Identify and address inequities in data, algorithms, and decision-making processes to promote fairness and inclusivity. Use diverse datasets and equitable practices to ensure AI reflects the full spectrum of human diversity.Adapt to contexts: Create systems that respect and respond to cultural, social, and environmental diversity. Tailor AI solutions to meet specific user needs while remaining flexible enough to evolve with changing circumstances.Balance efficiency with nuance: Leverage AIs strengths for speed, scale, and pattern recognition while relying on human expertise for empathy, critical thinking, and decision-making. Ensure that AI complements human creativity rather than replacing it.Protect privacy: Safeguard sensitive data through ethical collection, secure storage, and transparent user consent. Prioritize practices that give users control over their personal information while rejecting data over-collection andmisuse.Empower through education: Equip teams, users, and communities with the knowledge and tools needed to critically and effectively engage with AI. Commit to ongoing learning, iteration, and adaptation to ensure AI strategies align with evolving technology and societalneeds.A Call toActionWe have a unique opportunity to shape AI as a tool that uplifts humanity.As researchers, designers, product managers, developers, and users, we must ensure that this technology uplifts humanity, bridges divides, and creates equitable opportunities. Together, we can shape AI as a force for human flourishing.Sign this petition to commit to these principles, ensuring that AI remains a tool for equity, empowerment, and connection keeping the human centered in theloop.Note: This Manifesto is based on the challenges and opportunities for AI in Human Flourishing in the Age of AI, published by the UX Collective.Josh LaMar is the Co-Founder and CEO of Amplinate, an international agency focusing on cross-cultural Research & Design, based in the USA, France, Brazil, and India. As the Chief Strategy Officer of JoshLaMar Consult, he helps Entrepreneurs grow their business through ethical competitive advantage.The human-centered AI manifesto was originally published in UX Collective on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
