What are the best ways to communicate algorithm results and limitations to stakeholders?

1 Know your audience

Different stakeholders may have different levels of familiarity, interest, and expectations from your algorithm. You need to tailor your communication to suit their needs and goals. For example, a technical audience may want to know the details of your algorithm, such as the data sources, the methods, the performance metrics, and the validation steps. A non-technical audience may want to know the main benefits, the risks, and the implications of your algorithm, such as how it affects their decisions, actions, and outcomes. A good way to understand your audience is to ask them questions, such as what they want to learn, what they are concerned about, and what they are hoping to achieve.

2 Use clear and simple language

One of the biggest challenges of communicating algorithm results and limitations is to avoid jargon, acronyms, and technical terms that may confuse or alienate your audience. You need to use clear and simple language that explains your algorithm in a way that anyone can understand. You can use analogies, examples, stories, or visuals to illustrate your points and make them more engaging. You can also use metaphors, comparisons, or contrasts to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of your algorithm. For example, you can say that your algorithm is like a compass that guides you in the right direction, but it may not be accurate enough to pinpoint your exact location.

3 Provide context and evidence

Another important aspect of communicating algorithm results and limitations is to provide context and evidence that supports your claims and addresses your audience's questions and concerns. You need to show how your algorithm fits into the bigger picture, such as the problem it solves, the value it adds, or the impact it has. You also need to show how your algorithm works, such as the inputs, the outputs, the assumptions, or the logic. You can use data, charts, graphs, or tables to present your results and show how they compare to other alternatives or benchmarks. You can also use testimonials, case studies, or scenarios to demonstrate your results and show how they apply to real situations.

4 Acknowledge and explain limitations

No algorithm is flawless or foolproof. There are always limitations, uncertainties, or trade-offs that affect your algorithm's performance, reliability, or validity. You need to acknowledge and explain these limitations to your audience, rather than hiding or ignoring them. You need to be honest and transparent about what your algorithm can and cannot do, what are the sources of error or bias, what are the assumptions or constraints, and what are the potential risks or consequences. You also need to explain how you address or mitigate these limitations, such as by testing, validating, refining, or updating your algorithm. You can also provide recommendations, suggestions, or warnings on how to use your algorithm responsibly and effectively.

5 Invite feedback and collaboration

The final step of communicating algorithm results and limitations is to invite feedback and collaboration from your audience. You need to show that you value their opinions, perspectives, and experiences, and that you are open to learning, improving, and adapting your algorithm. You can ask them questions, such as what they think, what they like, what they dislike, what they suggest, or what they need. You can also encourage them to share their feedback, ideas, or questions with you or with others who are interested or affected by your algorithm. You can also offer them opportunities to participate, contribute, or co-create your algorithm, such as by providing data, feedback, or use cases.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?