Accenture's 'Human by Design' Study: A Paradigm Shift in Tech and Leadership in 2024

Accenture’s new research underscores a notable technological shift, characterising AI and disruptive technologies as "human by design"—showcasing heightened human likeness and intuitiveness. This heralds a phase of unparalleled productivity and creativity. The study anticipates a future where human-centric technologies, with enhanced capabilities and seamless integration, will render technology both omnipresent and inconspicuous in our daily lives.

Accenture's Technology Vision 2024: "Human by Design: How AI Unleashes the Next Level of Human Potential" examines how technology, particularly generative AI, is becoming more human-like via exponential innovation. According to an Accenture study, generative AI has the potential to affect 44 per cent of all working hours across sectors, improve productivity in 900 different job types, and generate $6 to $8 trillion in global economic value.

 “As AI, spatial computing, and body-sensing technologies evolve to a point where tech appears to imitate human capabilities and seem invisible, what you’ll see left are the people—empowered with new capabilities to accomplish things they once considered impossible,” said Paul Daugherty, chief technology and innovation officer at Accenture.

The study identifies key trends in "human by design" technologies:

AI Knowledge Relationships:

• Reshapes data organisation for human-like reasoning and creativity.
• Shifts from search results to personalised, synthesised responses.
• AI-enabled knowledge tools offer business leaders a competitive edge.

Ecosystems for AI

• Envisions AI-empowered agents in interconnected ecosystems.
• Agents assist, advise, and take decisive actions, multiplying collective output.
• 96 per cent of executives see AI agent ecosystems as a significant opportunity.

 Creating Value in New Realities

• Utilises spatial computing, the metaverse, and AR/VR for immersive 3D environments.
• Fuses the digital and physical worlds, enhancing innovation and lifestyles. 
• 33 per cent of consumers express interest in spatial computing for shopping.

 A New Human Interface

• Utilises innovative technologies like AI-powered wearables and neurotech.
• Enhances the understanding of individuals for improved work and lifestyle.
• 94 per cent of executives anticipate human interface technologies transforming interactions.

“Human-centred technologies like generative AI are poised to unleash human potential and deliver a staggering array of business and societal benefits, but only if we take a balanced, ‘human by design’ approach that ensures these technologies are used fairly and responsibly,” added Daugherty.

 Accenture's Technology Vision contribution for the 2024 study was compiled by an external advisory group comprising over two dozen specialists from academia, business, and the public sector. The primary worldwide study comprises a poll of 3,450 C-level executives from 21 businesses and over 20,000 consumers conducted from October to November 2023 in 20 countries.