AI Policy
Our Belief
At Katalyst, we believe great work starts with understanding people, businesses, and the problems they are trying to solve.
AI is one of the tools we use to support that work. It can help us research, organize information, explore ideas, take notes, troubleshoot problems, and work through strategic questions. In some cases, it may also help us develop an initial direction or starting point for a project.
AI does not replace the judgment, experience, creativity, or responsibility behind the work. We remain responsible for the strategy, design decisions, implementation, and final outcomes of every project.
We also believe the way AI is used matters. We do not use it simply because it is available or because it can make a process faster. We use it when it provides a meaningful benefit to the work or our clients.
Our websites are designed and developed by people. AI may assist with parts of the process, including research, ideation, or content and image creation, but it does not replace the design and development work behind the finished product. Client-facing text is always reviewed, edited, and refined by us before it is delivered.
AI can assist the process. It does not define the work.
Principles
Human Judgment
AI can assist with research, ideas, analysis, and other parts of the process, but human judgment remains central to the work. Decisions about strategy, design, content, and implementation are made with the needs of the client and their audience in mind.
Purposeful Use
We use AI when it is genuinely useful, not simply because it is available. Sometimes that means using AI to save time on repetitive work or quickly work through a problem. Other times, conventional tools, independent research, or our own expertise are the better choice. We choose the approach that best serves the work.
Quality Over Automation
AI is not a substitute for the work that requires experience, creativity, and judgment. We use it to support the process where it makes sense while keeping the strategic, creative, and design work grounded in human expertise.
How We Use AI
AI is one of many tools we may use throughout a project. We use it where it can be helpful, while the strategy, design, and development remain our responsibility. Its role varies depending on the project and the task. Some common uses include:
Research & Analysis
AI may be used as one part of our research process to organize information, identify patterns, surface relevant topics, and work through large amounts of information more efficiently. We also conduct research through traditional methods, independent research, reliable sources, and other non-AI tools. Because AI can produce inaccurate or misleading information, we critically evaluate and cross-check information rather than treating AI as an authoritative source. Research is meant to increase confidence in a direction, not quietly introduce uncertainty into it.
Strategy & Ideation
AI can be useful for challenging assumptions, exploring different approaches, and thinking through strategic questions. It may also help us develop an early-stage starting point for things such as information architecture or project direction. These outputs are treated as starting points, not final decisions nor final products.
Productivity & Workflow
We may use AI to assist with routine tasks and day-to-day work, including troubleshooting, quick references, meeting notes, organization, and other workflow tasks. The goal is to reduce unnecessary administrative work and spend more time on the parts of a project that require human judgment and expertise.
Content Support
AI may be used to help brainstorm, organize, draft, or refine content when appropriate. We recommend that clients provide the substance and perspective for their own content, since authentic knowledge of their business and audience is difficult to replace.
Image Generation
AI image generation may be used to create or enhance images when it makes sense for a project. We use it as a creative tool, not a shortcut, and make sure the final images fit the brand.
Troubleshooting & Problem Solving
AI can also serve as a reference when working through technical problems, exploring potential solutions, or understanding unfamiliar tools and systems. Final decisions and implementations remain our responsibility.
Protecting Client Information
We never share passwords, login credentials, customer data, or other sensitive information with AI tools.
We may use basic information, such as names or positions when relevant and needed for a project.
We use available privacy settings and only share information when it is necessary.
What AI Doesn't Replace
AI can help with parts of the process, but it does not replace the work that goes into a Katalyst project.
Strategy, design, development, problem-solving, and final decisions remain our responsibility. AI can help us work through ideas, but it does not replace the expertise and judgment behind the finished work.
AI is a tool we use. Our expertise is why you hire Katalyst.