Choose based on the task
Model choice matters less than workflow design. Evaluate tools by how well they support the specific task: synthesis, exploration, structured writing, coding, or iteration.
Use the same brief
When comparing tools, give each the same context, constraints, and output format. Otherwise you are comparing prompts as much as models.
Judge the editing burden
The best output is not always the most impressive first draft. Track how much correction, restructuring, and verification each tool requires before the work is usable.
Keep human judgment in the loop
Creative work requires taste, context, and accountability. Use AI to expand options and reduce mechanical work while keeping final decisions human.