Intelligent tutors outperform traditional computer-based training applications by tailoring the lessons to what each student knows, and by tailoring the lesson to the way each student likes to learn. The system compares student performance to "expert" performance and patterns itself to match that student. It also recognizes the student's approach to learning and, when in doubt, asks the student's preferences. An ADI system uses this information so that all people can learn at their own pace and in their own style.

A user assistant provides the right amount of support at the right time by monitoring user performance, user interaction history, and current task constraints. Like the intelligent tutor, a user assistant compares current user performance to an "expert" performance standard. It then modifies the level of support accordingly, giving the less skilled user prompts and menus that are not provided to the more experienced user.