Tasks for automation vs augmentation

Automation completely takes over a task, while augmentation enhances human abilities. The key is understanding which approach serves users best in different contexts.

Tasks ideal for automation are typically boring, repetitive, or dangerous. Nobody misses manually filtering spam emails or calculating spreadsheet formulas. These tasks lack personal value and benefit from consistent, error-free execution. Automation also works well for tasks beyond human capability, like monitoring thousands of security cameras simultaneously.

Augmentation shines when people enjoy the process or need to maintain responsibility. Writing tools that suggest better word choices augment without replacing human creativity. Medical diagnosis AI that highlights potential issues augments a doctor's expertise without making final decisions.

Consider scale, too. A social media manager might want automated post scheduling but manual control over content creation. The scheduling scales their effort, while content creation preserves their professional value and creativity.^[1]