The principle
Use the simplest approach that can meet the need.
Remove avoidable work
Check whether clearer intake, better information, or fewer handoffs would solve the problem.
Separate rules from judgment
Stable rules suit deterministic automation. Unstructured interpretation may benefit from an AI-assisted step.
Bound any autonomy
Dynamic tool use introduces additional uncertainty. Keep permissions, evaluation, oversight, and recovery explicit.
Take it to your team
Three questions to start with.
- Are the rules stable?
- Is the task interpretation or execution?
- Can a person review consequential actions?