An Intelligent Sociotechnical Systems (iSTS) Framework: Enabling a Hierarchical Human-Centered AI (hHCAI) Approach
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: While artificial intelligence (AI) offers significant benefits, it also has negatively impacted humans and society. A human-centered AI (HCAI) approach has been proposed to address these issues. However, current HCAI practices have shown limited contributions due to a lack of sociotechnical thinking. To overcome these challenges, we conducted a literature review and comparative analysis of sociotechnical characteristics with respect to AI. Then, we propose updated sociotechnical systems (STS) design principles. Based on these findings, this paper introduces an intelligent sociotechnical systems (iSTS) framework to extend traditional STS theory and meet the demands with respect to AI. The iSTS framework emphasizes human-centered joint optimization across individual, organizational, ecosystem, and societal levels. The paper further integrates iSTS with current HCAI practices, proposing a hierarchical HCAI (hHCAI) approach. This hHCAI approach offers a structured approach to address challenges in HCAI practices from a broader sociotechnical perspective. Finally, we provide recommendations for future iSTS and hHCAI work.
Authors: Wei Xu, Zaifeng Gao
Institution: Zhejiang University
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4404056679