Communicating system updates

When AI systems evolve, users need to understand what changed without feeling overwhelmed by technical details. Poor communication about updates can break trust faster than the actual changes themselves.

Timing matters as much as content. Announce major changes before they happen, giving users time to adjust expectations. For subtle improvements, consider communicating after implementation when users can immediately experience the benefits.

Match communication depth to user needs. Power users might want detailed changelogs, while casual users need simple notices about improved experiences. Avoid technical jargon like "retrained the model with updated embeddings." Instead, say "improved understanding of your preferences."

Show, don't just tell. When possible, let users experience improvements through guided interactions rather than reading about them. A writing assistant could highlight a better suggestion with a subtle "New!" badge rather than a pop-up announcement. Address the "why" behind changes. Users accept evolution better when they understand it serves their needs. "Based on community feedback, we've improved how we recognize plant diseases" builds more trust than "Model updated to version 2.3."