I think AutoML is great.

I think most people should be using it. Even data scientists and machine learning engineers.

And not to “get started” but all the time on all things.

Why? It’s probably better than you are.

I recall Nick Erickson (author of AutoGluon) commenting in one of his videos/interviews that AutoML/AutoGluon is as good or better than the average data scientist. That the bar for AutoML to clear is low, much lower than most people think. I don’t have a quote at hand, sorry.

Agreed. I could not agree more.

So why aren’t people using it? Why isn’t it taking over?

Perhaps it is a marketing problem? Specifically positioning.

AutoML is a descriptive but not exciting/inspirational.

Why would I want to automate the one fun thing about this whole area: desigining/iteresting modeling pipleines?

I agree too I guess.

But, as a project manager or client. No way. Get lost. Give an AutoML and only consider hand crafted pipelines if there’s time or if there’s a business need to do better.

I had a chat to gpt4o about the apparent marketing challenge that automl faces.

We came up with some positining and headlines.

Nothing crazy good, but interesting nonetheless:

Here are some headline ideas that present AutoML as a powerful, prestigious, and essential tool for data scientists and ML engineers:

  1. “Outperform, Outsmart, Outshine: Unlock Your Full Potential with AutoML”
  • Position AutoML as the ultimate tool to elevate professional standing and results.
  1. “The Shortcut to Brilliance: How AutoML Makes You the Hero of Every Project”
  • Frame AutoML as a way to amplify genius, not replace it.
  1. “Work Smarter, Win Faster: Master Machine Learning with AutoML as Your Secret Weapon”
  • Highlight efficiency and competitive advantage.
  1. “The Hidden Edge of Elite Data Scientists: AutoML’s Untold Power”
  • Imply exclusivity and advanced capability.
  1. “Don’t Just Compete—Dominate: Automate the Grind, Shine in the Spotlight”
  • Suggest AutoML allows them to focus on innovation while handling the mundane.
  1. “The Automagic Behind Amazon’s Success—And How You Can Use It Too”
  • Leverage Amazon’s credibility and tie AutoML to aspirational results.
  1. “From Good to Great: How AutoML Makes Your Models Sing”
  • Emphasize quality improvement without undermining the scientist’s skills.
  1. “Why Struggle? AutoML Turns Deadlines Into Headlines”
  • Focus on how AutoML eases pressure and delivers impactful results.
  1. “Data Science Prestige: AutoML Is the Upgrade Your Career Deserves”
  • Tap into the desire for recognition and career advancement.
  1. “What the Best ML Engineers Won’t Tell You: AutoML Does the Heavy Lifting”
  • Create intrigue while reinforcing the importance of AutoML in top-level workflows.
  1. “Let Your Code Speak for Itself: AutoML Delivers Results That Stun”
  • Highlight the end product as the hero of the story.
  1. “Discover the Future of Machine Learning Before Your Peers Do”
  • Position AutoML as forward-thinking and a competitive edge.
  1. “Be the Wizard in the Room: AutoML Brings the Magic to Your Models”
  • Appeal to the desire to impress peers with extraordinary results.
  1. “Machine Learning Glory Without the Grind: AutoML Saves Time and Builds Prestige”
  • Focus on efficiency and the personal/professional gains it brings.
  1. “Your Expertise, Amplified: AutoML Makes You the Data Science Rockstar”
  • Position AutoML as a force multiplier, not a replacement for expertise.

The goal is to combine the aspirational aspects of AutoML (prestige, recognition, impact) with its practical benefits (time-saving, efficiency, scale). These headlines suggest that embracing AutoML enhances, rather than diminishes, the stature and capability of the individual.

And a few more:

Here are five more refined and compelling examples, designed to truly resonate with data scientists and ML engineers:

  1. “Own the Room, Own the Results: How AutoML Makes You the Data Science Star”
  • Focus on personal impact and professional acclaim, with a subtle nod to leadership.
  1. “Turn Every Dataset Into a Masterpiece: AutoML Gives You the Edge Without the Grind”
  • Highlight creativity and mastery while downplaying tedious work.
  1. “Why Settle for Good When You Can Deliver Genius? AutoML Takes You There”
  • Frame AutoML as the enabler of extraordinary, head-turning achievements.
  1. “Big Results, Bold Reputation: AutoML Helps You Build Models—and a Legacy”
  • Appeal to the ambition of creating meaningful, lasting impact.
  1. “Be the Innovator, Not the Iterator: Let AutoML Handle the Rest”
  • Elevate AutoML as a tool that frees professionals to focus on groundbreaking work.

These headlines aim to position AutoML as not just a utility, but a transformative tool that enhances reputation, innovation, and impact, all while respecting and elevating the professional using it.

Meh.

I don’t know how to solve this off hand, but my gut tells me it’s a problem of positioning.