"AI is a spectrum, and we need more comprehensive certification systems, rather than a binary AI/AI-free approach." — Sasha Luccioni, AI Research Scientist
Inspired by an article I read this morning, I designed a four-stage badge/designation for how your work was made. Not a judgement — a declaration. As AI becomes ubiquitous, both extremes require intentionality. Both are a point of pride.
No AI used at any stage of creation. No autocomplete, no generative AI, no algorithmic suggestions. The creator owns every decision. Increasingly rare — and increasingly valuable.
Human-created with AI assistance. The human owns the concept and most of the execution. AI may suggest, but the human decides. This is an honest claim about where the work sits.
AI-created with human direction. The intent is full automation, but requires a human in the loop for direction, judgement, quality control, and steering.
No human in the loop. AI decides and executes what's needed without human intervention or steering. Requires supreme confidence in the system. The hardest management skill there is.
Why a spectrum?
Organisations worldwide are racing to develop labels for "human-made" products. At least eight competing initiatives are trying to create the next "Fair Trade" equivalent for AI transparency. But they all share the same problem: AI is now so embedded in everyday tools that a simple "AI-free" stamp is nearly meaningless.
The spectrum takes a different position. Rather than a binary, it offers four stages — two families of two. Every position is a deliberate claim. There is no default middle ground to drift into.
More importantly, both extremes are treated as achievements, not just the human side. Fully autonomous work — building or choosing a system good enough to trust without intervention — is as intentional and as hard as crafting something entirely by hand.
How to read the badge
Three visual signals, all readable at a glance.
Shape – Rounded pill = Human skill family. Sharp rectangle = Autonomy family. You know which side before reading a word.
Fill – The progress bar shows commitment. Full = "Fully". Partial with grey track = "Mostly". The gap is honest.
Colour – Green or purple = Award (the extremes). Grey = Declaration (the middles). Colour signals achievement.
An open designation system. Use these badges freely.
Concept by Tim Ferguson • March 2026