Usefulness first
Start with something people need. Judge an idea by the clarity, confidence or capability it can give someone.
In practice
Begin with the task a person needs to complete, then choose the simplest helpful tool.
Our principles
Progress,
with care.
Good technology grows from thoughtful choices. These six principles describe how we want to work—and what that means in practice.
Explore a principle
Access by design
Consider different abilities, languages, devices and levels of digital confidence from the beginning.
In practice
Offer clear language, keyboard navigation and layouts that work on smaller screens.
People stay in control
Make room for choice, correction and human judgment. Explain the role of AI and where its limits matter.
In practice
Let people review important outputs, correct mistakes and decide what happens next.
Care with information
Ask for information with a clear purpose. Consider privacy, security and the consequences of data use in every decision.
In practice
Ask only for what is needed and make its purpose understandable.
Honest communication
Describe capabilities plainly, acknowledge uncertainty and be clear about what has been tested.
In practice
Explain where an answer comes from and make uncertainty visible.
Thoughtful use of resources
Consider the time, energy and attention a system requires. Prefer a simpler solution when it serves people well.
In practice
Consider computing needs, storage and equipment life alongside usefulness.