What are the critical moments that build or break trust in AI?

Quick Answer: Five critical moments: Inception (first impressions set all expectations), Validation (users test reliability), Cultivation (deepening reliance), Disruption (inevitable limitations emerge), and Restoration (response determines trust trajectory). Building takes months; destruction takes moments; rebuilding demands exceptional effort.

Key Characteristics:
  • Map trust states, not just functional steps
  • Audit implicit trust signals in your design
  • Design recovery patterns before failures occur
  • Implement progressive disclosure that unfolds capabilities with trust
  • Measure trust through behavior: query complexity, verification frequency
Real Example:

Last Updated: 4 October 2025