**Type**: `$= const tags = dv.current().file.tags || []; if(tags.includes("#idea")) { "Idea" } else if(tags.includes("#insight")) { "Insight" } else { "Unclassified" }` **Growth Stage**: `= this.stage` **Last Tended**: ``= dateformat(this.file.mtime, "yyyy-MM-dd")`` **Topics**: #ideation #ConversationalAI #conversationswiththemachine --- >[!Directors commentary] >My approach: >1. *Thought Machine* capture protocols for in the moment note taking and idea replay >2. Conversational dialogue with GPT assistants designed to help explore ideas >3. Challenging personas to refine and explore the idea (Challenger, Pessimist, Optimist) >4. Tailored assistants to turn idea into action, strategise or avoid procrastination.* **Sound boarding Ideas with a Conversational approach to using AI** **Introduction** Imagine having a brainstorming partner who’s always available, endlessly patient, and capable of offering both enthusiastic support and sharp critique. That’s exactly what I discovered when I began exploring the potential of conversational AI for ideation. By engaging in a dynamic, back-and-forth dialogue with the AI, I’ve developed a structured process that not only generates ideas but also refines and strengthens them. In this post, I’ll walk you through my approach to using conversational AI as a creative partner—a system I’ve honed to unlock new levels of innovation. **Why a Conversational Approach?** In my experience, a conversational approach to AI is far more effective than rigid, prompt-driven interactions. Creativity thrives on fluidity, and by allowing a natural exchange of ideas between the user and the AI, you can delve deeper into the nuances of your concept. _“A more conversational approach to AI—rather than relying on rigid structures—can yield better results, particularly when it comes to ideation and fostering a free flow of creativity.”_ This method mirrors the organic back-and-forth of a human brainstorming session, transforming the AI into a true collaborator. **The Six-Step Framework for Conversational Ideation** To make the most of conversational AI, I’ve developed a structured framework that guides the interaction through six key stages: 1. **Idea Submission** - The process begins with presenting a rough idea to the AI. At this stage, perfection isn’t the goal—it’s all about getting the concept out there. 2. **Challenge** - Next, the AI assumes the role of devil’s advocate, critically analysing the idea to identify weaknesses or blind spots. This forces me to think more deeply and strengthen the concept. 3. **Optimism** - The AI then shifts to highlighting the strengths of the idea. It focuses on the best-case scenarios, exploring the potential and offering encouragement—like having a personal cheerleader on hand. 4. **Pessimism** - To balance the enthusiasm, the AI then takes a hard look at potential risks, pitfalls, and challenges. This step ensures the concept is stress-tested against real-world scenarios. 5. **Elaboration** - With the groundwork laid, the AI helps flesh out the idea. This involves brainstorming features, solutions, and even creating actionable steps for implementation. 6. **Summary and Pitch** - Finally, the AI synthesises everything into a concise and persuasive summary. This serves as the basis for a pitch or presentation, ready to share with stakeholders or develop further. **Keeping Humans in the Loop** It’s essential to emphasise that this process is collaborative—not about the AI taking over. At every stage, I’m actively involved, iterating on the output and steering the direction of the conversation. I refer to this as _“human-in-the-loop iteration.”_ _“It’s not about AI replacing creativity; it’s about humans and AI working together in a continuous loop of feedback and refinement.”_ This partnership approach also involves adaptability. For example, when an AI model runs into limitations—such as token constraints—I simply switch to another tool or model that better suits the task. The key is to remain flexible and take ownership of the process. **A Real-World Application** One of the most exciting examples of this approach is how I used it to develop the concept of AI-assisted ideation itself. I began with a simple question: _How could conversational AI be used as a tool for brainstorming?_ By walking through the six-step framework, the AI and I co-created a detailed plan, addressing challenges, exploring opportunities, and refining the process into something actionable. Here are some standout benefits I’ve experienced: • **Overcoming Bias:** The AI challenges assumptions, helping me identify and address blind spots. • **Accelerating Creativity:** This dynamic exchange speeds up the ideation process, allowing for rapid iteration. • **Implementation Support:** The AI assists with planning, offering step-by-step suggestions for bringing ideas to life. **Making It Accessible** You don’t need cutting-edge technology to apply these principles. Here are some ways to adapt the framework with tools you already have: • **Pen and Paper:** Role-play as the AI, asking yourself challenging questions and brainstorming strengths and weaknesses. • **Mind Mapping Tools:** Use platforms that visually organise your ideas, helping you explore connections. • **Basic AI Tools:** Even simple conversational AI models can replicate much of the process. **Conclusion** This approach is about more than generating ideas; it’s a way to unlock deeper creativity and problem-solving potential. By combining the strengths of human intuition and AI’s analytical capabilities, we can create a powerful partnership that transforms the way we approach challenges. Whether you’re using advanced tools or just a notebook, the key is to embrace the iterative, conversational process. So, what’s your next big idea? Start the conversation—with yourself, your tools, or an AI partner—and see where it leads. **Call to Action** Try the six-step framework for yourself. Present an idea, challenge it, and let the conversation flow. With this method, you might just discover a new way of thinking. Let me know how you get on—I’d love to hear about your results! ## Open Questions & Implications ``` *Areas I'm still exploring or thinking about* / What this means in practice and why it matters* ``` --- *This is a living document in my Digital Garden. It grows and evolves with my thinking and represents my personal thoughts and opinions, and is not part of my work at IBM. However, it is part of my desire to contribute a broader conversation on how we 'get things done' - exploring the impact of tools and techniques aligned to my mission to help individuals and organisations create the settings for sustained growth.* --- ## Growth Log - 2024-12-03: Initial seed planted - 2025-01-06: Major revision - YYYY-MM-DD: Published on <font color="#6425d0">*link to post*</font>