At Mainstay, we believe that joyful, Human Centered AI can transform the student experience without sacrificing ethics. That’s why all of our Conversational Design Experts are certified in Conversational AI Ethics, and we are committed to sharing what we’ve learned with our partners in education.
Here are three keys to navigating the intersection of AI, ethics, and conversation design:
1. Accessibility: Everyone Deserves a Seat at the Table
Creating accessible AI tools is about more than compliance—it’s about equity. We ensure our AI platforms are WCAG 2 AA compliant, with features like screen reader compatibility and automatic language translation. These make it easier for users with disabilities or language preferences to engage seamlessly with our tools.
But that’s not where it stops. By using AI to help humans be more proactive, we help schools ensure that all students—especially those who may be less likely to ask for help—have access to quality coaching and guidance, breaking down the traditional barriers to success.
Tip for Institutions: Make sure your student-facing technology is accessible to all, so no one is left out of critical support systems.
2. Accountability: Transparent and Responsible AI
We know that trust in AI requires transparency. Imagine talking to a friend who never owns up to their mistakes—no fun, right? At Mainstay, accountability is central to our design. We provide clear system logs, track errors, and communicate with users in an open way that builds reliability.
Our AI systems are designed to acknowledge imperfections and continuously improve. This ethical approach means that your institution—and your students—can rely on AI to support learning and growth, while always remaining transparent about any adjustments along the way.
Pro Insight: Ensure any AI you use has clear documentation and is able to explain system actions to foster trust with users.
3. Engagement and Iteration: Building Together for Better Outcomes
At Mainstay, our approach is simple: people first, technology second. We involve stakeholders—educators, students, and our team—in the design process to ensure our AI reflects the needs of real users. Through collaborative feedback loops, we ensure that our tools continue evolving based on the real-world experiences of our partners.
This iterative design not only creates AI that’s functional but also relatable and adaptable, just like a friendly barista who always strives to get your order right. Our AI may not be perfect, but it’s always improving through user feedback.
Our Challenge to You: Engage with your community to co-create AI solutions that truly work for everyone, refining them with real input from users.
Our Commitment to You
Our goal is to make conversational AI that’s not just smart but also ethical, accessible, and empathetic. Whether you’re focused on student success, retention, or engagement, our AI supports your unique needs—ethically.
Stay tuned for more insights, and feel free to reach out to discuss how we can help you make AI a force for good in your institution.
