Visual AI Tier Chart
Quick Reference: Complexity, Cost & Timeline
Start at the bottom (Tier 0) and work your way up. Most business problems are solved with Tier 0-2. Only move to higher tiers when lower tiers demonstrably fail. The pyramid width represents adoption—most organizations should spend most of their time and budget at the base.
Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)
Human-level intelligence across any domain
Agentic AI & Autonomous Systems
Plans, executes multi-step tasks, uses tools independently
Generative AI (LLMs & Diffusion Models)
Creates new content: text, images, code, audio
Deep Learning
Neural networks for images, audio, video, complex patterns
Machine Learning
Learns from data, improves over time, predictive models
Statistical & Analytical AI
Patterns in data, forecasting, traditional algorithms
Automation & Rules-Based Systems
If-then logic, no learning, completely predictable
Quick Decision Guide: What Tier Do You Need?
→ Tier 0
Repetitive tasks with clear rules? Data entry? Report generation? Start with automation.
→ Tier 1-2
Need predictions from historical data? Forecasting? Risk scoring? Use statistical ML.
→ Tier 3
Understanding images, video, or audio? Quality inspection? Speech recognition? Deep learning.
→ Tier 4
Content creation? Document understanding? Natural conversation? Generative AI.
→ Tier 5
Multi-step autonomous workflows? Complex research? Proceed with extreme caution.
→ Tier 6
AGI doesn't currently exist. If a vendor references this, ask them to clarify what they actually mean.
Color Legend: Complexity & Risk
Print-friendly reference for team meetings and vendor discussions