Delegation Recovery Pattern

This pattern allows users to transfer AI tasks to human support when needed.

🧭 Domain: Delegation ⏱️ Effort: 5-minute fix

Problem

AI often gets things wrong — and when it does, users need a way to ask for help. Delegation creates an exit to real support, not a dead end.

Solution

Provide clear escalation paths from AI to human support at any point in the interaction.

Implementation Example

Pseudocode: Framework-agnostic code showing the core logic and approach. Adapt the syntax and methods to your specific technology stack.

// Pseudocode:
// Route to human support if user requests help
function handleHumanEscalation() {
  if (userClicks("Speak to Human")) {
    // Pass session context to human agent
    const sessionData = {
      conversation: messages,
      userIntent: currentGoal,
      timestamp: new Date()
    };
    openLiveChatSupport(sessionData);
  }
}

🧠 What this does: Creates an escape route to human support when AI gets stuck, ensuring users never hit a dead end.

Try this:

•Add "Speak to a Human" or "Contact Support" in chatbots and decision tools
•Send full session context to the human
•Avoid making escalation conditional (e.g. don't require error first)

Testing Checklist

  • □Human contact path is clearly visible
  • □Escalation is immediate and confirmed
  • □AI context is passed to human seamlessly
  • □Users don't get routed back to AI
  • □Response time is under SLA

Related Patterns

User Control Recovery Pattern

This pattern gives users control over AI suggestions, recommendations, and automated actions.

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Exit Recovery Pattern

This pattern ensures users can easily stop, cancel, or exit AI interactions at any point.

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Error Recovery Pattern

This pattern lets users correct AI errors, undo actions, or fix missteps.

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Crisis Mode Recovery Pattern

This pattern provides emergency fixes for when AI systems are actively failing users and require immediate intervention.

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