ULTRA: User-friendly and trustworthy AI solutions
How do we design AI that earns trust? This project helps Flemish SMEs develop user-friendly and responsible AI solutions that actually work—for people and businesses alike.
In short
How can AI tools be made truly usable and understandable for end users? This project supports Flemish SMEs in designing and implementing user-friendly and trustworthy AI interfaces, such as chatbots, dashboards and personalised applications. The results are bundled in an accessible AI design guide featuring practical guidelines, checklists and reusable components.
Need and relevance
AI systems are often developed without involving end users, leading to confusion, low adoption rates and mistrust—especially in small and medium-sized enterprises. At the same time, generative AI introduces new ethical and legal challenges. This project addresses both issues by focusing on AI usability and user trust, with explicit attention to privacy, ethics and the European AI Act. The goal: responsible and inclusive AI adoption for all businesses.
From approach to impact
The project delivers three key outputs:
a validated framework with design guidelines and UI components for three AI interface types: conversational interfaces, data visualisation tools and adaptive applications;
a methodology for responsible AI integration in the design process, including evaluation criteria, checklists and a step-by-step plan;
an interactive AI design guide featuring real-life cases from Flemish SMEs.
All guidelines are tested through user research and pilot implementations within a learning network of companies. The project aims to accelerate AI adoption through accessible, ethical and inclusive design, ultimately enhancing the digital resilience and competitiveness of Flemish SMEs.
