Design an AI Workflow That Sticks · Lesson 2 of 7

Lesson 2 — Picking the right hook

30 minutes. From your top-10 list, you'll commit to one workflow and define exactly where AI fits in.

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The four hook types

Every workflow has natural places where AI can plug in. Pick one — not more — for the first build.

1. Inbound triage — something arrives (email, form, call, document). AI reads it and routes/categorizes.

2. Draft generation — something needs to be written (reply, summary, proposal). AI writes the first version.

3. Decision support — something needs a judgment call. AI proposes; human approves.

4. Cross-system translation — info in one system needs to land in another shape. AI restructures.

Most workflows use only one of these. Don't try to do all four in your first build.

Map your chosen workflow to one hook

Take the workflow from your audit. Write three sentences:

  • The trigger: what kicks this off?
  • The input: what does AI receive?
  • The output: what does AI produce, and what happens next?

If you can't write those three sentences cleanly, the scope is too big.

The "human still does" line

For every workflow, write the line where AI stops and a human takes over. Be explicit.

> AI drafts the reply. Human reviews and sends. AI does not touch the actual send button.

That line is what makes the workflow safe to deploy. Without it, you're hoping the AI doesn't embarrass you. With it, you know exactly where the safety net is.

→ Lesson 3 — Designing prompts that survive real use

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