Human-Centered AI
• SEI Report
Publisher
Software Engineering Institute
Topic or Tag
Abstract
Human-centered AI systems are designed to work with, and for, people. As the desire to use AI systems grows, human-centered engineering principles are critical to guide system development toward effective implementation and minimize unintended consequences. We identify three specific areas of focus to advance human-centered AI:
- Designers and systems must understand the context of use and sense changes over time
- Development of tools, processes, and practices to scope and facilitate human-machine teaming
- Methods, mechanisms, and mindsets to engage in critical oversight
For each area, we identify ongoing work as well and challenges and opportunities in developing and deploying AI systems with confidence.
Cite This SEI Report
Barmer, H., Dzombak, R., Gaston, M., Palat, J., Redner, F., Smith, C., & Smith, T. (2021, June 25). Human-Centered AI. Retrieved August 18, 2026, from https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/human-centered-ai/.
@techreport{barmer_2021,
author={Barmer, Hollen and Dzombak, Rachel and Gaston, Matt and Palat, Jay and Redner, Frank and Smith, Carol and Smith, Tanisha},
title={Human-Centered AI},
month={Jun},
year={2021},
institution={Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University},
url={https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/human-centered-ai/},
note={Accessed: 2026-Aug-18}
}
Barmer, Hollen, Rachel Dzombak, Matt Gaston, Jay Palat, Frank Redner, Carol Smith, and Tanisha Smith. "Human-Centered AI." Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University. Software Engineering Institute, June 25, 2021. https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/human-centered-ai/.
H. Barmer, R. Dzombak, M. Gaston, J. Palat, F. Redner, C. Smith, and T. Smith, "Human-Centered AI," Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University. Software Engineering Institute, 25-Jun-2021 [Online]. Available: https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/human-centered-ai/. [Accessed: 18-Aug-2026].
Barmer, Hollen, Rachel Dzombak, Matt Gaston, Jay Palat, Frank Redner, Carol Smith, and Tanisha Smith. "Human-Centered AI." Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Software Engineering Institute, 25 Jun. 2021. https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/human-centered-ai/. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.
Barmer, Hollen; Dzombak, Rachel; Gaston, Matt; Palat, Jay; Redner, Frank; Smith, Carol; & Smith, Tanisha. Human-Centered AI. Software Engineering Institute. 2021. https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/human-centered-ai/