Brian Le
1

Introducing AI
to z/OS





Designing the First AI Experience 
AI Framework introduced machine learning to IBM z/OS for the first time. Without existing interaction patterns to build from, we worked closely with engineering to translate a complex technical domain into an experience administrators could understand and trust.
The domain was still taking shape, and so was the interface.
Making Sense of a New Domain
AI Framework introduced an entirely new set of concepts to z/OS. AI models, training, recommendations, and operational modes all needed a place within an interface that still felt familiar to experienced administrators. Working closely with engineering and our users, we developed a shared understanding of the domain before designing it into a platform.

Designing for Growth
Although Workload Management was the first AI capability, the platform was always intended to grow. As Language Environment and additional AI capabilities followed, shared navigation, interaction patterns, and workflows provided continuity while allowing each experience to adapt to the needs of its domain.
Process


Early explorations focused on how administrators naturally think about their environments. We experimented with different ways of organizing systems, service classes, and AI enrollments before converging on a workspace that felt familiar to experienced z/OS users.


To-be




Workload Management: The first implementation introduced the core workflow for training models, reviewing results, and enabling AI for individual service classes.

 Language Environment: Shared design patterns reduced the learning curve, allowing users to focus on the unique behaviors of each AI capability rather than relearning the interface.