Enough AI copilots! We need AI HUDs
a day ago
- Mark Weiser's 1992 critique of the 'copilot' metaphor for AI, arguing for invisible computers that extend human awareness rather than grab attention, remains relevant for AI design in 2025.
- Weiser advocated for designs like the Head-Up Display (HUD) in planes, which provides ambient information directly in the pilot's view without requiring interaction, enhancing natural awareness.
- Examples of HUD-like designs in modern software include spellcheck (red squigglies) and custom debugger UIs in coding, which give users new senses and ambient understanding beyond focused tasks.
- The choice between 'copilot' (agent/assistant) and 'HUD' (enhanced awareness) depends on the context: routine predictable tasks are suited for delegation to assistants, while complex or novel situations benefit from equipping experts with superpowers like HUDs.
- The article recommends further reading by Michael Nielsen and Shan Carter on using AI to augment human intelligence, and explores related ideas in non-chat AI UIs and malleable software.