Mindful use of AI: A practical approach.
Magnus Westerlund, Principal Lecturer in Information Technology and Director of the Laboratory for Trustworthy AI, Arcada University of Applied Sciences, Helsinki, Finland
Elisabeth Hildt, Affiliated Professor, Arcada University of Applied Sciences, Helsinki, Finland, and Professor of Philosophy and Director of the Center for the Study of Ethics in the Professions, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, USA
Apostolos Tsolakis , Senior Project Manager, Q-PLAN International Advisors PC, Thessaloniki, Greece
Roberto V. Zicari, Affiliated Professor, Arcada University of Applied Sciences, Helsinki, Finland.
The current landscape of assuring AI reliability and quality is fragmented, with existing frameworks often lacking a unified methodology for comprehensive evaluation, particularly in integrating ethical and human rights considerations.
This article introduces the Z-Inspection® process as a participatory, human-centered approach for assessing and codesigning trustworthy AI systems throughout their lifecycle. By forming multi-disciplinary teams and utilizing sociotechnical scenarios, Z-Inspection® enables the exploration of ethical dilemmas and risks in context, fostering a shared understanding among stakeholders. This methodology aligns with the European AI Act’s emphasis on human-centric technology and addresses limitations in existing standards by incorporating continuous ethical reflection and adaptability.
We demonstrate how the co-design aspect of Z-Inspection® facilitates proactive risk identification, transparency, and alignment with regulatory requirements. This approach advances beyond traditional static checklists, offering a dynamic framework that intrinsically weaves ethical considerations into AI development, thereby ensuring that AI technologies are not only technically robust but also ethically sound, socially beneficial, aligned with human values, and legally compliant. Trustworthy AI is not an afterthought or technical hindrance but a way to promote a mindful use of AI.
THE CAPCO INSTITUTE JOURNAL OF FINANCIAL TRANSFORMATION, 2024/2025