Human-only
Keep AI outside the task when it must not perform or influence the work.
Choose the least complex pattern that fits
Compare prerequisites, poor-fit conditions, controls, autonomy limits, and evaluation requirements.
Conventional software
Use deterministic rules, templates, queries, or calculations when they solve the task reliably.
Direct prompt
Use a single instruction for low-consequence work that needs no private or current context.
Prompt with context
Supply bounded source material when the task should transform or analyze what you provide.
Retrieval-grounded workflow
Retrieve current or traceable evidence before generating an answer that cites its basis.
Tool workflow
Connect a model to a narrow, observable tool when a bounded action is necessary.
Bounded agent
Use a multi-step agent only inside a narrow objective, permission boundary, budget, and stop contract.