How can you explain ML algorithm results to a non-technical stakeholder?

When collaborating with non-ML stakeholders, I often use easy examples to explain model scores. For example, after telling that the model has precision of 0.9, I tell them something along these lines: when we tested the model on the test set, 9 out of 10 positive predictions were actually positive. So, the model did a great job on finding positive labels. I also pick the most important metrics to communicate with the stakeholders and save them from the burden of understanding each metric I used to evaluate the model. Finally, I explain them the limitations of the model as simple as possible to make sure that I don't overpromise them. Limitations, for example, can be out-of-domain samples.

There are two important components in explaining ML algorithm results to non-technical stakeholder:1) Language, and 2) Order of information. 1. You need to describe the results and modeling components not only using simple terms and visuals but preferably using ones that your audience are familiar with it, even if it means you have to spend a bit of time to learn about those key terms. 2. You need to also make sure the order of delivery is based on what your audience care about most. start with the objective of your models and why you even worked on the project. Then deliver how your model improve something your audience cares about and in what cases it doesn't work. Then get into more details on data, algorithm and performance measures.

Three things I've found really help are: 1) Whether it's a descriptive, diagnostic or predictive model and how validation/relevant metrics are conducted (general sense of modelling), 2) How the model was trained (training process) 3) Explaining the factors that go behind building the model and how they affect the target (sensitivities) Simplify, simplify, simplify, and always ask if they have any questions. Remove any technical jargon and lay the techniques bare from scratch. And finally, be transparent about the Machine Learning algorithms (if they're black box / if performance is affected by model drift etc.) as that builds trust and enhances communication.

Clarify, Illustrate, Engage! ???? I'd explain ML algorithm results to a non-technical stakeholder by first knowing their level of understanding and interests. Use visual aids like charts and graphs to make complex data more accessible. Tell a story with the data, highlighting how the results impact their areas of concern. Simplify the mathematical concepts into relatable terms. Provide context around the results, explaining what they mean for the business or project in practical, real-world terms.

Explain ML algorithm results to non-technical stakeholders by: Simplify Terminology: Avoid jargon, use layman's terms, and provide analogies for complex concepts. Focus on Key Metrics: Highlight key performance indicators, such as accuracy or precision, and explain their implications. Visualizations: Use visual aids like charts or graphs to illustrate trends, patterns, and the impact of the model. Real-World Examples: Relate results to real-world scenarios, making it easier for stakeholders to grasp the significance. Address Limitations: Transparently communicate the model's limitations and uncertainties to manage expectations.

Visual aids enhance the presentation of ML algorithm results, making them more engaging and comprehensible. Utilize charts, graphs, tables, or diagrams to illustrate data, features, models, performance, or outcomes. For instance, a confusion matrix can depict classification accuracy, while a scatter plot showcases data clustering. Tailor visual aids to the specific ML algorithm and audience, ensuring clarity, conciseness, and proper labeling. The chosen visuals should effectively convey complex information in a digestible manner.

It is also helpful to use AI explanation models such as partial dependence plots to increase trust in the results and allow your audience "to look behind the curtain" instead of a blackbox.

Utilize intuitive charts, such as bar graphs or pie charts, to illustrate key insights. For instance, in fraud detection, a visual representation of true positives versus false positives clarifies the model's performance. Accompany visuals with concise narratives, linking data-driven outcomes to strategic goals. By adopting this approach, you provide stakeholders with a clear and accessible interpretation of ML results, fostering informed decision-making in a language they understand.

Visual aids, such as charts, graphs, and diagrams, are powerful tools for conveying complex information in a digestible manner. Create visual representations of key insights, model performance metrics, or trends observed in the data. Visuals not only enhance comprehension but also make the explanation more engaging and memorable.

The business needs in real life are complex and change over time, ML algorithms can resolve them well and save time. For example, when buying mangoes, you initially select them based on color. However, not all light yellow mangoes are sweet. Through experience, you learn size also matters. Different vendors and locations vary; what works in one place doesn't in another. Preferences change too, from sweetness to juiciness. Moving abroad, your tastes adapt; green mangoes become preferable. Machine Learning (ML) simplifies this. You provide data to an ML algorithm, which learns to predict quality. It adapts over time, improving with more data, and can be applied to different fruits, making selection easier and more accurate.

Some people don't like the term storytelling in Science. But in reallity it is the stories that matter. Stories are not about hiding or exaggerating something but rather about having a meaningful flow to make sure your audience understands the WHY, HOW and WHAT behind your problem, models and projects. Depending on your audience you need to decrease the amount of details in HOW or WHAT. And you can always have those details in other sections of your reports or slide decks, even as appendix or supplementary material. Reports to non-technical audience shouldn't be like scientific papers. It is about being right to the point by sharing the results in a good flow (story) and let them ask for more details to get deeper into the weeds.

Craft a narrative around the problem, solution, and the impact of the model. For instance, in fraud detection, articulate how the algorithm identifies irregular patterns, akin to a vigilant security guard, enhancing financial security. By framing results within relatable narratives, stakeholders grasp the tangible benefits, making complex algorithmic outcomes more accessible and compelling to a non-technical audience.

"Use metaphor concept in the story" For example, you can use national digital library to explain LLMs. It depends on the audience you can select the metaphor linked with the audience industry or domain knowledge.

To convey ML algorithm results to non-technical stakeholders, narrate the project's journey in a story-like format, emphasizing how each step, from problem identification to results interpretation, addresses their specific concerns. Use simple language and relatable examples or case studies to illustrate the impact of these results. Focus on how the algorithm can contribute to business objectives, such as increasing efficiency or enhancing customer experience, rather than delving into technical specifics. This approach helps stakeholders grasp the practical value of the ML project in terms that resonate with their business needs and interests.

Math can be beautiful if explained intuitively, but as soon as complex symbols show up, people tend to lose interest. Hence an intuitive and clear explanation is the key to simplifying complexities of ML algorithm results. I remember a time when I had to explain use of cosine similarity over Euclidian distance in semantic comparison of two sentences to a non-technical audience. An intuitive explanation that two sentences discussing the same topic, despite having a different number of words, can be thought of as lines of different lengths but pointing in the same direction, helped me get my point across very easily. This analogy simplifies understanding how we measure semantic similarity, emphasizing direction over length.

The key to explaining ML algorithm results to non-technical stakeholders is to focus on the business impact rather than the technical details. In my opinion, analogies can be very helpful to build intuition without simplifying the complexity under the hood. I often compare neural networks to brains, might say something like: "This algorithm has learned what styles of dresses individual customers like and don't like after seeing examples, similar to how our own brains can learn to recognize dresses versus pants." Simple, relatable explanations go much further than complex math.

Instead of delving into complex equations, focus on intuitive explanations. For instance, in a regression model predicting sales, emphasize that a higher coefficient for 'ad spend' signifies a stronger impact on sales. By translating technical jargon into practical insights, you bridge the gap, ensuring stakeholders grasp the implications of algorithmic outcomes in real-world terms. This approach fosters a clearer understanding and facilitates informed decision-making.

Think of math in machine learning like a GPS for a road trip. It navigates the algorithm through a maze of data, finding the most efficient routes to reach the desired destination (accurate predictions). You don't need to know the exact coordinates of every turn to understand how GPS works—just that it uses map data and guiding principles to get you where you need to go. Similarly, we'll focus on the algorithm's overall journey and the tools it uses to navigate, rather than the exact mathematical formulas behind each step. This way, you'll get a clear understanding of the process without feeling like you're stuck in a math class.

simplifying the math behind ML algorithms is crucial for effective communication. Using plain language, logic, intuition, and relatable analogies can make complex concepts more accessible to a broader audience. For instance, explaining a neural network as a system of interconnected nodes adapting their weights to learn from data simplifies the understanding without delving into intricate mathematical details. Metaphors, comparisons, and examples are powerful tools to bridge the gap between technical intricacies and a more general understanding. This approach ensures that your audience, even those less familiar with the mathematical intricacies, can grasp the fundamental concepts and appreciate the significance of ML algorithm results.

To explain ML algorithm results to non-technical stakeholders, start by knowing your audience's familiarity with ML concepts, avoiding jargon, and using clear language. Use charts and graphs to visually present the results and create a narrative that links these outcomes to real-world problems. Simplify complex math and provide context for better understanding. Emphasize the return on investment and key metrics, ensuring user-friendliness and addressing ethical concerns. Conduct interactive demos, establish feedback loops, and highlight the competitive advantage of ML. Ensure ongoing education and data quality while fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

Instead of diving into technical intricacies, contextualize outcomes in familiar terms. For instance, in fraud detection, rather than emphasizing precision-recall curves, highlight the model's ability to catch suspicious transactions, akin to a vigilant security guard. By translating metrics into relatable scenarios, you offer stakeholders a clear understanding of the algorithm's impact, fostering meaningful conversations and informed decision-making.

Consider a machine learning (ML) algorithm as a tool that learns patterns from data to make predictions. It's like a smart assistant learning your preferences over time. The algorithm processes vast amounts of information, identifying patterns and trends, much like recognizing your preferences. The goal is to make accurate predictions, guiding decisions effectively. Visualize the algorithm as a problem solver, adjusting its approach based on the information it processes. When sharing results, emphasize how these predictions align with the broader goals or challenges the business faces, providing a context that relates to the stakeholders' objectives and decision-making processes.

providing context and perspective is crucial when explaining ML algorithm results. This step ensures that your audience understands the broader implications and significance of your findings. By highlighting the practical value, impact, or potential benefits of your ML algorithm results, you enable stakeholders to see the relevance of your work to their goals and objectives. Additionally, addressing limitations, assumptions, or challenges is essential for transparency and credibility. It shows a realistic view of the model's performance and opens the door for future improvements. Offering suggestions on how to overcome these challenges or improve the model helps guide the audience toward more informed decision-making .

- Relate Results to Actionable Insights: This step goes beyond merely presenting the data and its interpretation; it connects the dots between the ML algorithm's outcomes and practical, real-world actions or decisions that the stakeholder can take. - Compare with Familiar Benchmarks: Comparing ML results with familiar benchmarks or standards can help non-technical stakeholders understand the performance and relevance of the ML model. - Interactive Demonstrations: If possible, use interactive tools or demonstrations that allow stakeholders to see the ML algorithm in action.

I like to complement metrics with relevant examples. For instance, if I mention "70% recall," I will provide two instances of accurate true positive predictions and one example of a false positive. This helps stakeholders gain an intuitive understanding of the model's error patterns on real scenarios, not just summary statistics.

-Set the stage by explaining the problem or goal the ML algorithm addresses. Use real-world examples or analogies that resonate with the stakeholders' domain or industry. -Use plain language and avoid technical terms. Please provide clear, simple explanations if you need to use specific terms. -Highlight the impact of the ML algorithm's results rather than diving into technical intricacies. Discuss how the model's predictions or insights contribute to achieving business goals or solving problems. -Utilize visuals like charts, graphs, or infographics to illustrate key points. Visual representations often make complex data more accessible and understandable.

IMHO and experience, the best way is: Craft a story from business perspective: 1. Start with business context & objective 2. Outcome expected (and outcome desired) 3. How will we achieve the outcome (or how did we achieve) 4. Bring-in the ML story of what has been implemented in simple terms along with ML metrics. Why and how we derived ML solution implementation. Use visual articulation (if any) and the nuances that were & need to be taken into consideration. Like ML model was trained on X data variations and is giving Y accuracy %. Any cons of the model. 5. Show the outcomes in the form of demos or snapshots and benefits achieved This will have a story flow and non-technical audience will also be able to correlate and understand it.

Context is key when explaining ML algorithm results. Emphasize practical value: show how the algorithm improves decision-making, streamlines processes, increases revenue, or reduces costs. Discuss limitations, assumptions, and potential challenges, while highlighting areas for future improvement. This establishes credibility and enables your audience to grasp the real-world significance of the ML results.