How to trial an AI research or writing tool fairly
A repeatable method for testing non-coding AI tools on your own work before you rely on them.
By Adam Green5 min read
Feature lists and demos do not tell you how a tool performs on your work. A short, structured trial does.
Which tasks should I use?
Pick tasks you have already done, so you know what a good result looks like, and include one that is hard for you. Write the success criteria down before you start.
How do I keep the comparison fair?
- Give every tool the same inputs and instructions.
- Run each task more than once.
- Record the tool, version, and date of each run.
- Judge outputs blind if you can, without knowing which tool produced them.
How do I check accuracy?
For research tools, open the sources. For writing tools, check facts, numbers, and names. Count errors per output, not just overall impressions.
How do I count the cost of editing?
Time how long it takes to bring each output to the standard you need. A tool that is fast but needs heavy rework may save little.
Related: how to read an evaluation and the research category.
Frequently asked questions
How many tasks do I need to compare two writing tools?+
Five to ten real tasks is a practical start. Use a mix of types, such as a summary, a first draft, and a rewrite, so one strength does not dominate.
How do I check an AI research tool's citations?+
Open each cited source and confirm that it supports the claim. A real source that does not support the claim is still an error.
Should I trust one good result?+
No. Outputs vary between runs, so repeat each task and look at the pattern, not the best case.
Related reading
This piece was first published on BestSuperintelligent.com. Read the original →