The 4D framework
The 4D Framework · 5 min
This video introduces the four core competencies of AI Fluency, or the "4Ds": Delegation, Description, Discernment, and Diligence.
- Delegation: Thoughtfully deciding what work to do with AI vs. doing yourself
- Description: Communicating clearly with AI systems
- Discernment: Evaluating AI outputs and behavior with a critical eye
- Diligence: Ensuring you interact with AI responsibly
We explore how these competencies work together across different ways of engaging with AI, and why developing these skills prepares you for whatever AI evolution brings next.
Key takeaways
- AI Fluency means engaging with AI in ways that are effective, efficient, ethical, and safe
- There are three primary ways we engage with AI:
- Automation: AI executes specific tasks based on your instructions
- Augmentation: You and AI collaborate as creative thinking and task execution partners
- Agency: You guide AI to work independently on your behalf, shaping its knowledge and behavior rather than specific actions
- The AI Fluency Framework consists of four core competencies (the 4Ds):
- Delegation: Deciding what work to do with AI vs. yourself
- Description: Communicating effectively with AI systems
- Discernment: Evaluating AI outputs critically
- Diligence: Ensuring responsible AI collaboration
- These competencies apply across all three ways of working with AI
- Developing these competencies prepares you for evolving AI capabilities
Exercises
Apply the 4D's
Pick one of these collaboration scenarios and consider how you might apply the 4D Framework:
Communication project
You're working with an AI assistant to draft a series of emails for a marketing campaign.
- Delegation: What aspects of this project would you handle yourself vs. collaborate on with AI?
- Description: How would you communicate your vision for the campaign's tone, purpose, and success criteria to the AI?
- Discernment: What criteria would help you evaluate whether the AI-drafted emails meet your needs?
- Diligence: What considerations around transparency and responsibility would be important?
Research project
You're using AI to help analyze a large dataset for a research paper.
- Delegation: How would you divide the analytical work between yourself and the AI?
- Description: What context would the AI need to understand about your research question to do its share of the tasks well?
- Discernment: How would you verify the AI's analysis for accuracy?
- Diligence: What ethical considerations might arise when publishing AI-assisted research?
Creative project
You're collaborating with AI to develop character concepts for a story.
- Delegation: What creative elements would you want to explore through AI collaboration vs. develop independently?
- Description: How might you guide the AI to generate characters that fit your story's world?
- Discernment: How would you decide which AI-suggested elements to keep, modify, or discard?
- Diligence: How would you acknowledge AI's contribution to your creative work?
Reflection
Before moving on, take a moment to consider:
- Which of the 4Ds (Delegation, Description, Discernment, Diligence) do you feel most confident in already? Which might need more development?
- Can you recall a recent AI interaction where the framework might have helped?
- What specific skills from the 4D framework would most enhance your work or personal projects?
What's next
The next lesson, Deep Dive 1: "What is Generative AI?" is a two-part technical lesson that explains the foundational workings of modern AI, how it differs from previous technologies, and its current capabilities and limitations. This knowledge will provide valuable context for the 4Ds and especially strengthen your Delegation competence.