First · 0–1
Generated
AI produced the expression and the human passed it through with little or no shaping.
A simpler way to show the scale.
The ten-point HQ scale can also be expressed as five quiet, recognizable shapes. The shape makes the relationship easier to see without turning it into a grade.
Second · 2–3
Checked
The human reviewed it and made limited corrections or changes.
Third · 4–6
Shaped
The human meaningfully changed the work, while AI still influenced its expression.
Fourth · 7–8
Guided
The human supplied the substance and direction; AI assisted with form or refinement.
Fifth · 9–10
Direct
The finished expression came directly from the human creator. AI did not shape the work.
Shapes, not scores
The shape is a simpler public expression, not a replacement for the underlying scale. When precision is needed, the exact HQ level remains available in the attestation and verification record. The five bands group 0–1, 2–3, 4–6, 7–8, and 9–10.
These are descriptions of how a work was made, not judgments of quality. No shape is a prize, and no shape is a failure.