Refinement & Polish v1.0.0
Definition
AI tools are used to edit, format, style, or polish content that was substantially created by the human.
When to Use This Level
Refinement is the appropriate declaration when:
- Using AI to edit or rewrite portions of text you wrote
- Using AI to optimize code style or performance (without changing functionality)
- Using AI to enhance image quality, resolution, or visual appeal
- Using AI for color correction, grading, or filter application
- Using AI for text formatting, layout, or typesetting
- Using AI for voice modulation or audio enhancement
- The original work is substantially yours, and AI adds finishing touches
- Using AI tools for spell-checking, style suggestions, or presentation enhancements
Examples
- Using ChatGPT to improve the clarity of paragraphs you wrote
- Using AI upscaling tools to enhance image resolution
- Using color grading AI to enhance video or photography
- Using AI text formatters to restructure an outline
- Using auto-completion or suggestion features to speed up writing
- Using voice AI to enhance or modify audio recordings
- Using design AI to improve layout and typography
What This Does NOT Include
- Using AI to write initial content (that’s Generation)
- Using AI to fix broken code (that’s Assistance)
- Using AI to explore design directions (that’s Ideation)
- Using AI to make substantial changes to meaning or direction (that’s Generation)
Important Note
Refinement can blur into Assistance or Generation depending on scope. Use these guidelines:
- Minor improvements (grammar, formatting, simple rephrasing) = Refinement
- Fixing problems (broken code, unclear passages) = Assistance
- Substantial changes to structure, meaning, or content = Generation
Related Domains
Pair this usage level with a domain to create a full declaration:
Transparency Best Practices
When declaring Refinement usage:
- Be specific about what was refined (e.g., “grammar and sentence clarity”)
- Show before and after - what did the original look like?
- Quantify if possible - what percentage of content was refined?
- Explain your choices - did you accept all AI suggestions or select carefully?
- Note tool limitations - what did you need to adjust or reject?
Version: 1.0.0
Released: 2025-12-09
Canonical URL: https://aiul.org/aiul/usage-levels/refinement/1.0.0/