From Concept to Creation: Building in Public with AI

Knowledge is not enough to create sustained behavior change. Creating behavioral change at scale requires targeted interactions, which has only become a tangible possibility with the advent of generative AI, which has revolutionized the creation of low-cost, high-impact content. Today marks the beginning of my mission: to harness the power of generative AI to foster sustained behavioral transformations. Intentionally vague, I still need to find the right target behaviors, users, and approaches. Yet, this quest will unfold in the open, with each step, discovery, and prototype shared transparently, inviting the wisdom and insights of this wonderful community I have fostered and am excited to continue contributing to.

In this journey, I'll draw from the agile methodologies that became second nature in my previous team. You can expect weekly dispatches from the front lines of this exploration, serving a trio of objectives. Firstly, to demystify the process of navigating and innovating within the fast-evolving terrain of generative AI. Secondly, to document this journey as a clear, transparent log of rapid experimentation and the intrinsic value of agile development. Lastly, it offers a glimpse into the rhythm of building and iterating in the intervals of career transitions, providing a beacon of motivation for those in search of their next professional chapter.

The initial fortnight is dubbed my "flare phase," a period of open-minded exploration and strategic patience. It's a time for laying the groundwork, for engaging in rich dialogues with a spectrum of thinkers and doers who can shine a light on how best to align my abilities, experiences, and unique strengths towards something genuinely impactful. This week, I'm diving into four key areas of interest—my "work streams"—each with clear goals for what I aim to uncover and achieve by week's end.

Before I dive into my sprint planning, I will note that this overall effort is intended to be flexible. Workstreams may ebb and flow, capturing momentum or fading into the background, as dictated by their traction and my learnings. This approach to building in public is an experiment—one I'll reassess after two sprints to decide whether it's a path worth continuing down. I welcome any feedback, insights, or advice you might have, both on the overarching mission and any specific workstream outlined. Your input is not just appreciated—it's essential!

Weekly Plan

Sprint 1: Flare on ideas

Sprint Goal: Identify up to three areas of interest for development by delving into past concepts and current inspirations.

Week 1: The Renaissance of Ideas

Weekly Goal:? Revisit and evaluate ideas from the past year to select a viable concept for a chatbot. The goal is to develop and launch this chatbot by the end of the week.

WorkStream 1:? Leaning into Prompt Engineering

At my previous venture, I had the privilege of sculpting complex prompts designed to elevate the chatbot experience to new heights. Drawing from this, plus my stint in crafting a research assistant bot, I've honed my prompt engineering skills to a fine edge. The burning question: How can this skill set pave the way to a new career horizon?

Questions:

• Should I cast a wide net or zero in on niche areas within prompt engineering?
• What are the cornerstone models essential for a prompt engineer to master?
• Beyond the basics, what additional technical prowess is needed to seamlessly deploy prompts without morphing into a full-fledged software development engineer?

Tasks:

• Network with three prompt engineering wizards to uncover the secrets of effective, prompt deployment.
• Ideate a chatbot concept that resonates, reflecting the zeitgeist.
• Craft a compelling, engaging prompt that sets the stage for interaction.

WorkStream 2: Embracing Automation with an Open Mind

My TEDx Talk shed light on the transformative power of embracing automation as a ladder to opportunity, not a harbinger of obsolescence. My commitment to fostering a growth mindset in the face of AI's rapid evolution burns brighter than ever.

Questions:

• What innovative solutions exist to brace for the impact of automation?
• What are the prevailing sentiments towards AI's role in the workplace?
• Can you spotlight a few instances where automation has seamlessly integrated and enhanced work processes?

Tasks:

• Embark on a literature expedition to unearth insights on automation's frontier.
• Experiment with crafting a bot prompt designed to navigate thoughts on automation's impact on professional life.

WorkStream 3: Software with a Service (SWAS)

The consulting landscape is evolving, with digital products and templates increasingly becoming part of the toolkit. The concept of Software with a Service (SWAS) intrigues me: a model where the product's utility is intertwined with consultancy expertise. With the dawn of simplistic GenAI solutions, it's time to explore the SWAS potential.

Questions:

• Who are the trailblazers in the SWAS arena?
• What platforms serve as the best stage for SWAS tools?
• Which should take the lead: the product's allure or the wisdom of consulting?

Tasks:

• Dive into research to discover successful SWAS models.
• Connect with pioneers who have navigated the SWAS path to success.

WorkStream 4: Continuing Ongoing Efforts

Amidst these explorations, I'm eager to devote time to my upcoming book, "Bridging Intentions to Impact," and the presentation poised for ConveyUX this year. These projects beckon with their own set of challenges and opportunities.

Essential Questions:

• How can I strategically showcase the case studies in my book for maximum impact?
• What presentation style should I adopt at ConveyUX to effectively complement my content?

Tasks:

• Kickstart the ConveyUX presentation deck, blending creativity with content.
• Sketch the blueprint for my forthcoming website—a digital reflection of my journey.
• Polish my resume and portfolio, ensuring they're ready to tell my story.

As I navigate these workstreams, I invite you to join me on this voyage of discovery, innovation, and growth. Your insights, critiques, and encouragement are not just welcome—they fuel this journey. Let's explore the realms of possibility together.