The hosts discuss the widespread adoption and impact of generative AI, as well as their personal experiences with AI features on phones. They explore the influence of technology on daily life, including Google Glass and advancements in AI. The chapter also discusses the extensive development process of a video game sequel and the pros and cons of iterative software development and AI misapplications. The limitations of AI tools like Alexa and Siri are discussed, along with the current state of technology and the emergence of a new S curve. The chapter concludes with a discussion on the impact of AI on UX, customer support, and product management.
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Quick takeaways
The rise of generative AI and OpenAI's vision API marked the beginning of a major shift in technology and its impact on exploring new places.
The release of the game 'Tears of the Kingdom' showcased the power of deep design and craftsmanship in enhancing the user experience and redefining expectations in the gaming industry.
Companies need to carefully choose AI applications, avoiding automation of infrequent tasks to prevent increased work, and focus on precise outputs and deep product work for improving user experience.
Deep dives
The Impact of Generative AI in 2023
2023 was dominated by the rise of generative AI, with every failing startup and boring incumbent leveraging it to make themselves more interesting. The launch of OpenAI's vision API was a game-changer, allowing for incredible capabilities like recognizing photos and answering questions. The speaker shares a personal experience of how AI changed the way they explored a city, translating signs and providing new insights. This advancement marked the beginning of something huge. Additionally, the discussion touches upon the failed launch of Google Glass and the importance of timing and form factor in tech innovation.
The Excitement of Deep Design in Gaming
One of the standout moments of 2023 was the release of the game 'Tears of the Kingdom' by Nintendo. The game's seven-year development showcased the power of deep design and polish. The complexity and balance of the game's systems, as well as its breakthroughs in physics and interactive puzzles, impressed the speaker. This example highlights how dedicated craftsmanship can significantly enhance the user experience and redefine expectations in the gaming industry.
Challenges and Misapplications of AI
As AI continues to evolve, companies are faced with the challenge of finding the right applications and avoiding misapplications. The speaker mentions the pitfalls of using AI to automate infrequent and highly structured tasks, as it often adds more work in checking and verifying the outputs. They draw parallels to past hyped technologies, like bots, that failed to meet users' real needs. The need for precise and deterministic outputs remains a key challenge, and deep product work is required to improve the user experience in leveraging AI technology.
The Potential of AI-Enabled Sunglasses
AI-enabled sunglasses, like the ones developed by Facebook, have the potential to become everyday wearable tech. Unlike other wearables that people may be hesitant to adopt, sunglasses are already a commonly worn item. The discreet integration of AI technology into sunglasses makes them attractive to a wide range of users. With features like the ability to translate menus or enhance visual scenes, AI-enabled sunglasses offer practical applications. This partnership between technology and timeless fashion items like Raybans could lead to widespread adoption and success.
The Impact of AI on Design and Product Management
With the advent of AI, the disciplines of design and product management are undergoing changes. While AI tools offer efficiency and automation, it is important for designers and product managers to maintain critical thinking skills and attention to detail. AI can assist in tasks like summarizing customer feedback and generating written content, but it is crucial to remember that the value lies in the thinking process and not just the output. Designers need to understand what tasks are best suited for AI and ensure that AI-generated designs are still relevant and effective. Similarly, product managers should avoid relying too heavily on AI-generated solutions and continue to exercise judgment and critical thinking to avoid producing generic or irrelevant outcomes.
Intercom Co-founder Des Traynor sat down with Paul Adams, our Chief Product Officer, and Emmet Connolly, our VP of Design for a conversation on the good, the bad and the ugly of 2023 and our expectations and predictions for the year ahead.
Watch the video: https://youtu.be/bLix8mAp5k8?si=rhPJ5ZnNn8TRpt11
Read a transcript: https://www.intercom.com/blog/videos/intercom-on-product-riding-the-ai-wave-in-2024