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The AI Decision Loop

A six-stage system for choosing, testing, adopting and reviewing AI tools.

1

Define the Need

Write the job, desired outcome, constraints and acceptable risk.

2

Evaluate Fast

Use the FAST Test to screen obvious mismatches before investing time.

3

Test on Real Work

Choose a representative task, success criteria and a comparison baseline.

4

Decide & Set Guardrails

Define permitted data, spending limits, review requirements and exit conditions.

5

Use & Iterate

Improve the workflow, not just the prompt. Document what works.

6

Review Regularly

Recheck price, value, alternatives, privacy and dependency on a regular cadence.

Why it is a loop

AI tools change quickly. A good decision today can become a poor fit after a pricing change, policy update, workflow change or stronger alternative. The final stage returns you to the need rather than locking you into the tool.

Core principle: You do not need the most AI tools. You need the right tool for the job.