The discussion revolves around why users are hesitant to leverage AI features in tools like Slack and Google Docs. There’s an exploration of successful AI integrations and the need for a shift in user interaction methods, focusing on the concept of 'managing up.' Listeners learn about the PREM framework for prioritizing AI development and the competitive landscape startups face against advanced language models. The future of horizontal AI products and their potential to reshape user experiences are also highlighted.
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Quick takeaways
Users are largely not adopting AI features in legacy products, indicating a mismatch between AI implementation and user needs.
Effective AI should act as a collaborator that enhances user skills and promotes proficiency in managing broader tasks.
Deep dives
Usage of AI Features in Existing Products
Many users have not adopted AI features in widely used software products, despite their availability. During discussions, it was noted that AI features integrated into programs like Slack, Zoom, and Google Docs are rarely utilized. For instance, a sales expert reported that no respondents mentioned using AI in products purchased before 2023, apart from GitHub Copilot. This highlights a general sentiment that existing tools lack effective AI implementations that resonate with user needs.
Differing Experiences with AI Products
While incumbents struggles to attract users to their AI features, newer products built from the ground up with AI in mind offer more engaging experiences. Adobe Creative Cloud and Zoom have seen some success by integrating AI functionalities that make sense within their platforms. However, the podcast reveals that many users still prefer dedicated AI tools like Descript, which are designed to optimize workflows specifically around AI capabilities, indicating a preference for products that naturally incorporate such technology. Existing solutions appear more like afterthoughts rather than seamless integrations of AI.
The Need for Evolution in Product Design
The conversation emphasizes the importance of reevaluating product structures to better utilize AI's capabilities. Traditional interfaces often impose fixed structures that limit flexibility and adaptability in user experience. The notion of dynamic, adaptable software is proposed, suggesting that tools should allow for seamless interactions without predefined categories. By envisioning a more fluid design in platforms like Slack or Notion, users could benefit from AI-driven automation that optimizes their workflow instead of constraining it.
Developing Management Skills Through AI Interaction
As users become more acquainted with AI, there is a growing need to refine how these tools interact with individuals. Effective AI should not only function as a task executor but also act as a collaborator that encourages users to develop their skills in managing these tools. Building rapport and providing meaningful feedback during interactions can enhance user understanding and utilization of AI capabilities over time. By fostering this relationship, AI tools could help users become more proficient not just in the software itself but in managing broader tasks and expectations.
We discuss why users aren't fully embracing AI features in legacy products like Slack, Google Docs, and Zoom, and some of the trends in AI products that do seem to be working. The conversation also touches on the future of horizontal AI products, the wow factor, the PREM way of prioritizing development, and how AI systems can improve user interaction by 'managing up.'
00:00 Intro 00:52 Welcome to Hallway Chat 01:05 What have incumbents really done with AI? 08:59 Trends in AI integrations that work 20:21 Reflecting, it's still early 23:42 Creating AI that manages up 28:47 PREM: A framework for prioritization 34:32 Forget incumbents, how do startups fight fend off the LLMs? 37:24 What are the new horizontals?
(00:00) - Intro
(00:52) - Welcome to Hallway Chat
(01:05) - What have incumbents really done with AI?
(08:59) - Trends in AI integrations that work
(20:21) - Reflecting, it's still early
(23:42) - Creating AI that manages up
(28:47) - PREM: A framework for prioritization
(34:32) - Forget incumbents, how do startups fight fend off the LLMs?
(37:24) - What are the new horizontals?
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