New research: Get better ideas with AI (with Kian Gohar, Jeremy Utley, David McRaney, Henrik Werdelin)
Feb 20, 2024
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Join David McRaney, host of "You Are Not So Smart," and Kian Gohar, a leadership expert and author, as they dive into the promising intersection of AI and creativity. They unveil a new framework called FIXIT that transforms how teams brainstorm using AI, particularly ChatGPT. The duo discusses surprising study results that challenge assumptions about AI's effectiveness in ideation. They emphasize the necessity of human collaboration and engaging AI as a creative partner to unlock innovative ideas, using concepts like the 'Einstellung effect' and inventing methods to improve brainstorming.
The research reveals that effective AI-assisted brainstorming hinges on how human teams engage with the technology, not just its capabilities.
The Einstellung effect can limit teams’ problem-solving abilities by causing overreliance on familiar solutions rather than fostering innovative thinking.
The proposed 'FIXIT' model urges teams to view AI as a conversational partner, promoting iterative dialogue to enhance creative outcomes.
Deep dives
Impact of Generative AI on Problem-Solving
The research conducted by Jeremy Utley and Kian Gohar delves into how generative AI influences problem-solving within organizations. They aimed to explore the implications of tools like ChatGPT on team ideation and creativity. Interestingly, initial expectations leaned toward AI dramatically enhancing brainstorming sessions and productivity. However, the findings revealed a more nuanced reality, indicating that while AI had the potential to aid creativity, its effectiveness greatly depended on how human teams interacted with it.
Cognitive Bias and Team Dynamics
The study uncovered a significant cognitive bias known as the Einstellung effect, which affects how teams approach problem-solving with AI. This bias leads teams to rely on familiar solutions rather than exploring more innovative alternatives, thus impacting the overall effectiveness of their ideation processes. Groups using AI often viewed it similarly to a search engine, leading them to miss out on the potential for deeper engagement and iterative questioning. This failure to leverage AI's capabilities resulted in average-quality outcomes rather than the enhanced performance initially anticipated.
Behavioral Differences in AI-Assisted Teams
Jeremy and Kian noted notable behavioral differences among teams using AI versus those that did not. Teams without AI maintained traditional brainstorming dynamics, actively discussing and collaborating. In contrast, AI-assisted teams frequently fell into periods of silence, focusing intently on their screens, which limited interaction and the collaborative potential of their sessions. This tendency showcased a remarkable departure from usual participatory brainstorming approaches, ultimately resulting in fewer and less effective ideas.
A New Paradigm for AI-Assisted Ideation
In response to their findings, Utley and Gohar proposed a new working model for AI-assisted ideation, encapsulated in the mnemonic 'FIXIT.' This framework emphasizes starting with a focused problem, fostering individual ideation before group collaboration, and encouraging iterative conversations with the AI. The model aims to set a clear path for teams to better integrate AI as a collaborative partner in their problem-solving processes. Notably, the success of this approach depends on shifting the mindset from viewing AI as a solution provider to seeing it as a conversational partner in the exploration of ideas.
Emphasizing Conversations Over Solutions
A central takeaway from the research is the importance of engaging in conversations with generative AI rather than simply seeking quick answers. This approach encourages teams to delve deeper into their brainstorming processes and foster a richer idea generation atmosphere. The study highlighted that successful interactions hinge on viewing AI as a dynamic participant in collaborative efforts rather than a mere tool for fetching information. By embracing a mindset of inquiry and exploration, organizations can unlock deeper insights and more innovative solutions.
Co-production with Beyond the Propmpt and the "You Are Not So Smart" podcast. David McRaney and Henrik Werdelin sit down to discuss the surprising results of a new study into what happens when groups of people work together to brainstorm solutions to problems with the help of ChatGPT.
Based on their new research, Stanford's Jeremy Utley and best-selling author Kian Gohar have created a new paradigm for getting the most out of AI-assisted ideation, which they call FIXIT. In this episode, we dive into the research and explore how you can become better at getting good ideas with AI.
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