Humanified

Humanified is a neologism used to describe the process or outcome of making something more human-like or more human-centered. The term blends "human" with the suffix "-ify" and is not part of formal jargon in most fields, but it appears in discussions of technology, design, and social sciences as a way to describe design choices that emphasize human qualities.

In artificial intelligence and software development, to humanify an interface means incorporating elements that support human judgment and comprehension. This can include natural language interaction, transparent explanations of system decisions, user-friendly error handling, and safeguards that preserve user agency. In product and experience design, humanification emphasizes accessibility, emotional resonance, and ease of use, aiming to reduce cognitive load and friction for users.

Applications commonly cited include conversational agents with empathetic tone, human-in-the-loop workflows where humans supervise automated processes, and communications that feel personally relevant rather than purely mechanical. Proponents argue that humanification can improve usability, trust, and engagement by aligning systems more closely with human needs and expectations.

Critics warn that superficial attempts at humanification can verge on over-anthropomorphism, inflate user expectations, or raise privacy concerns. There is also a risk that focusing on human traits may mask technical limitations or reduce transparency about how systems work. See also terms such as human-centered design, human-in-the-loop, and anthropomorphism.