HTI has partnered with CSIRO’s National Artificial Intelligence Centre to produce a series of training videos aimed at people who are currently using or looking to use AI in their organisation. These videos provide guidance on how they can make responsible, human-focussed decisions regarding AI technology.
This video series is designed to give a crash course in human-centred AI in easy-to-understand language, including why AI is so transformative, why governance matters, and how you can ensure that AI is used responsibly in your business. The aim of the videos is to equip decision makers with the strategic AI skills that they need to consider how new technologies can be designed, implemented and used in ways that embed human values.
This work is part of HTI’s Skills Lab which was established to build Australia’s capability in strategic skills associated with AI and other technology, by building skills in procurement, implementation and oversight of AI.
What is AI?
AI is crucial for modern business operations, driving technologies like smartphones, social media targeting, and recruitment. While some AI systems, like navigation tools, pose minimal risk, others introduce cybersecurity and safety concerns. As AI becomes fundamental to business, leaders must develop a basic understanding of its workings and the importance of managing it carefully.
AI encompasses a broad range of digital systems that perform human-like tasks, learn from data without explicit programming, and can operate unpredictably and opaquely. Managing these risks necessitates careful management to harness AI’s potential safely and responsibly.
What is human-centred AI and why do you need it?
To realise the benefits of AI, we need to take steps to ensure it is responsible and fit-for-purpose. That’s why it’s essential that they draw on the principles and philosophy of human-centred design, which is a methodology that places people at its core. It's about designing objects, processes and systems in a way that responds to a deep understanding of human desires, contexts, capabilities and needs.
Managing the risks of AI
The same technological features that make AI systems so powerful also make them less predictable, and more difficult to understand. This introduces new commercial, reputational and regulatory risks for organisations using AI, and result in significant harms to their stakeholders.. To ensure that these risks don’t happen for your business, use a human centred-approach by identifying effective prevention and mitigation strategies on harms, and linking these to risks that may arise later.
Addressing AI system harms
One way to identify potential harms is to conduct an “impact assessment.” To avoid the harms you’ve identified – and thereby manage the related risks to your business – you need to put in place appropriate controls.
Obligations and responsibilities of AI deployers
If you are involved in procuring or implementing AI systems, you need to understand what AI systems are operating in your organisation and how they create value, as well as your ethical, legal and regulatory obligations under Australian and international law.
Procuring AI
With more organisations opting to buy, rather than build their own AI systems and given the nature of AI systems, new procurement strategies are required. What do executives need to know to plan, source and manage procurement of AI systems in today’s evolving technology landscape?
What does good governance of AI systems look like?
Governance is the set of rules, systems and structures that help organisations make good decisions and maintain accountability to their stakeholders. Given that AI systems can offer both huge benefits and potential risks to your business, AI governance should be a key topic for your board and a priority for you and your executive leadership team. This video describes how to apply best practice principles of AI governance in your business.
Why are trustworthy AI systems important?
As an AI becomes increasingly important to how your organisation operates, if you want your customers to trust your business, they'll need to trust how and when you use AI. Key characteristics of trustworthy AI systems are that they're reliable, safe, secure and resilient, accountable and transparent, explainable and interpretable, privacy enhanced and air.