OpenAI’s LifeVal Evaluation Tests AI on Practical Everyday Tasks

OpenAI published LifeVal on November 2, 2026, an evaluation built partly from a 3,995-respondent survey to track AI model performance over time on practical work including finding childcare, creating budgets and ordering groceries. LifeVal covers areas where users wanted help from AI and personal agents. OpenAI has used the evaluation over the past year to monitor model results and direct improvements on everyday tasks.

Its measurement target is practical assistance: whether a model can help someone make decisions, handle routine responsibilities and carry out meaningful actions. That broadens the focus beyond academic tests of model knowledge. Other examples of practical assistance include accessing government services, preparing for school, modifying recipes and designing workout plans. OpenAI began task selection with two studies covering the United States and other countries.

The American Time Use Survey measures how much time people spend on activities including paid work,…