Practical Guide

How STAIR Works

STAIR has two steps. First, you define what matters. Then, you put it into practice.

Start here

Choose Your Focus

Pick a theme for your conversation — a general discussion about AI, or a specific tool or use-case.

Then choose your path
Step 1 — Recommended

Build Your Own Principles

Together with your team, answer five foundational questions. The answers become your own compass for AI.

  1. What value should AI create for us?
  2. What role do we envision AI playing?
  3. What changes do we expect?
  4. How ensure well-being and efficiency?
  5. Which core values must we preserve?
Download the Step 1 guide →
Click to explore the model →
↓ Then use your principles in Step 2
or
Quick start

Use the STAIR Foundation Principles

Start with the eight research-based principles we've developed. You can always return to Step 1 later.

See the 8 principles →
↓ Go straight to Step 2
Step 2

Put Your Principles into Action

Have regular, structured conversations about AI using your principles. It doesn't need to be long or formal — but it needs to happen.

Facilitate, Don't Control

Appoint a STAIR Master — a curious facilitator who creates space for honest reflection.

Asks, doesn't tell · Stays neutral · Makes room for quiet voices

Capture Reflections

Note insights, tensions, and open questions. Feed them into the next conversation.

Not a policy document — a living practice
STAIR in practice

The point of STAIR

With even a small investment of time, you and your colleagues learn to engage with AI critically. Now it's you who sets the direction for AI. Not the other way around.

Step 1

Build Your Own Principles

Gather your team. Take your time. The goal is not to rush through — it's to have an honest conversation about what matters in your work. Write down what you discover.

5 1 2 3 4 Human Goals Economic Goals Workflows AI

How to use the model

First, describe your context: what does your team do, and which AI scenario are you exploring?

Then, click each quadrant to explore the five questions one at a time. Discuss each with your team.

Take notes. Your answers become the foundation for your own principles.

Question 1

What value is added?

What value should AI create for you? Is it just speed — or also quality, trust, and meaning?

Discuss: What would a good outcome look like for everyone involved?

Question 2

What role does AI play?

Is AI a helper, a partner, a decision-maker? Where should its involvement stop?

Discuss: What should remain fundamentally human?

Question 3

What changes do you see?

What shifts do you expect — in roles, collaboration, competence, and routines?

Discuss: What excites you? What worries you?

Question 4

Well-being & efficiency?

How will you ensure AI supports both productivity and a meaningful work life?

Discuss: Can you stand behind the work AI helps produce?

Question 5

Core values to preserve?

Which fundamental values must not be compromised as AI enters your work?

Discuss: If you could protect one thing about how you work, what would it be?

1

Value

2

Role of AI

3

Changes

4

Well-being

5

Core values

From notes to principles

Look at what you've written down. The patterns — values you kept returning to, boundaries you drew, concerns you shared — are the raw material for your principles. A principle is a short, clear statement about what matters to your team when using AI. It doesn't need to be perfect. It needs to be yours.

Once you have your principles, they can serve as a shared commitment — a declaration of how your team chooses to work with AI. Something like this:

"When we implement and use generative AI, we want to ensure productivity, well-being, and a sense of meaning in our workflows. That is why we at [your organization] have developed the following sociotechnical principles to help us continuously reflect on our use of AI — and to serve as guardians of what we consider a responsible and balanced approach to the everyday use of artificial intelligence."

Every principle has dimensions

Each principle can be reflected on at different levels. How does it apply to you individually? To your team? To the organization as a whole?

Example principle "AI must not erode workplace collaboration or professional identity."
Individual → Group → Unit → Organization → Corporate → National

Hover over each level to see how the example principle applies. The Step 1 guide includes a full worksheet.

Download the Step 1 Guide
For Facilitators

Tips for the STAIR Master

First, ask for a description of the use case. Be genuinely curious.
It's not an interrogation — it's a conversation.
Use the principles as inspiration, not a checklist.
Be neutral. Let participants reflect — but push with perspectives from the guide.
The best insights come from the quietest voices. Make space.
Who Can Use STAIR?

Everyone in the organization

Leaders & Decision-Makers

Ensure AI aligns with strategic priorities and organizational values.

Employees & Knowledge Workers

Gain clarity on AI's role and impact in daily tasks.

HR & Change Managers

Navigate well-being, competence, and culture through AI change.

Teams & Departments

Build shared language and ownership of AI in your context.

Ready to start?

Download guides, explore principles, or sign up for a course.

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