Redefining AI: Augmented Ideation and the Democratisation of Creativity

Ideas have never been the problem. We are walking idea machines. The challenge has always been the next bit. Moving beyond a half-baked concept to a considered, well-researched, and well-structured execution.?

Lack of time, money, or even knowing where to begin means most ideas die before taking a breath. But although I agree that generative AI can, and probably will, generate a tidal wave of shit, I also believe ChatGPT et al. will redefine the creative process.?

If you know how to use it, Generative AI moves beyond 'Artificial Intelligence' and becomes something considerably more exciting - Augmented Ideation.?

But ChatGPT is Rubbish!?

Yes, yes. You have read the headlines. ChatGPT is robotic, inauthentic, a glorified typewriter writing your every other word, but that is not exactly true. Just like a can of spray paint in your hand, what happens next is up to you.?

When collaborating with this technology, you are responsible for the prompts you give it and, most importantly, for the final outcome.?

The Iteration Game?

Let's be honest. The pathway to a perfect final edit is uphill, and I, for one, have fallen into the trap of "this is good enough" thinking. Yet, with ChatGPT, the effort required to edit and continuously refine your work is nearly nonexistent. Tweak, reshape, restructure.?

What was that? Do you want a version that incorporates an analogy about Bees? No problem! Tone down the Bee references by 30%. Done! Test, learn, iterate and play. Isn't that what Creativity is all about? And now you have the time to explore anything your mind can conjure.?

Bridging the Gap?

But this technology is not a meaningless toy. It can be an enlightened sherpa guiding you from a scribble on a napkin to a polished concept. It provides a structured way to think, research, and develop your ideas, moving them from raw marble to chiselled statue. It holds the key to bridging the gap between concept and execution.?

Democratising Creativity?

This incredible technology will lead us to what I'm calling the "Democratisation of Creativity." The hurdles preventing us from turning our initial ideas into something meaningful and structured (namely time, understanding, and a sounding board) just vanished. You don't need to be a creative genius to see your ideas flourish; you only need a starting prompt and a developing appreciation of how to exploit the capabilities of the technology.?

What's the catch??

While ChatGPT can be a substantial asset in the creative process, it is not capable (yet!) of developing an entirely fresh, groundbreaking perspective without a collaborator. You!?

But this is where the mastery of Augmented Ideation comes into play. It isn't a 'one-and-done' tool. To avoid being swept away in the tidal wave of shit referred to earlier, you must approach it with an artisan's mindset, developing complex, multi-stage prompts that encourage nuanced and original outputs.?

Yet, like any form of Creativity, the more you refine your prompts and engage with the tool in iterative cycles, the better your end results will be. It becomes a collaborative effort, guiding you towards a final execution that is unique, finely tuned, and authentic.?

Not all ideas are made equal.?

Here's what to expect: a tsunami of shit ideas. If you give everyone in the world a paintbrush, things will get messy. But surely this will make the gold shine even brighter? Those who may have considered themselves possessing the creative gift will need to up their game, but competition is no bad thing. It pushes us to reach higher and achieve more.?

What Now??

If you're still feeling sceptical, I don't blame you. But believe me, it's impossible to turn back once you have seen its creative power. The best place to start if you want to understand and exploit the power of this technology and its ability to supercharge creation is by reaching out to me, and I'll show you.?

Conclusion?

In the immortal words of Ernest Hemingway, "The first draft of anything is shit." But now, the landscape of Creativity is fundamentally shifting. Thanks to the power of Augmented Ideation, we are no longer confined to our first drafts or even our own limitations.?

We are entering a new phase in the Democratisation of Creativity, where we can all contribute, refine, and bring our best ideas to fruition. All it takes is understanding how to engineer the correct prompts and a willingness to engage with this groundbreaking technology.