Human-in-the-Loop
Problem
Fully automated AI systems can make critical errors, lack transparency, or fail in edge cases. In high-stakes or ambiguous situations, users need the ability to review, override, or guide AI decisions to ensure safety, compliance, and trust.
Solution
Design systems where humans can intervene, review, or approve AI outputs—especially for critical decisions. Provide clear handoff points, easy override mechanisms, and transparent explanations so users can confidently collaborate with AI.
Examples in the Wild
Grammarly Writing Assistant
Grammarly suggests grammar, spelling, and style improvements as users write, but requires human approval before changes are applied, maintaining user control over the final text.
Interactive Code Example
AI Content Moderation with Human Oversight
This React component demonstrates a human-in-the-loop AI moderation system. The AI flags potentially problematic content, but human moderators make the final decision on whether to approve, reject, or override the AI's recommendation.
Toggle to code view to see the implementation details.
Implementation & Considerations
Implementation Guidelines
Clearly indicate when human review is required or possible
Make it easy to override, correct, or provide feedback on AI outputs
Log interventions for transparency and improvement
Provide explanations for AI decisions to support human judgment
Design workflows that minimize friction in the handoff between AI and human
Design Considerations
Balance efficiency with safety—too many interventions can slow down workflows
Ensure humans are not overwhelmed with too many review requests
Address potential bias in both AI and human decisions
Provide training and support for users in review roles
Monitor and refine the threshold for when human-in-the-loop is triggered