281 - More Chat, Less Bot - Jeremy Utley, Kian Gohar, Henrik Werdelin
Feb 19, 2024
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Experts discuss the impact of AI on team brainstorming sessions, challenging beliefs about AI's superiority. They explore the benefits of generating numerous ideas over focusing solely on quality. The conversation includes insights on balancing problem identification and ideation in AI-assisted problem-solving, reframing bias with General AI, and the significance of meaningful conversations with technology and humans.
AI-assisted teams generated moderate quality ideas due to the Einstein-Lang effect of settling for familiar solutions.
Teams using chat GPT varied in approach, emphasizing conversational interfaces and iterative discussions for better outcomes.
Training teams to shift from seeking specific answers to having conversations with AI can enhance problem-solving processes.
Deep dives
AI-assisted ideation and its surprising impact on team performance
The study explores the use of AI, specifically chat GPT, in assisting teams during brainstorming sessions. Contrary to expectations, the research found that AI-assisted teams did not generate more or better ideas compared to non-AI-assisted teams. However, they did generate a moderate amount of average quality ideas. This unexpected outcome highlighted the presence of a cognitive bias known as the Einstein-Lang effect, where teams tend to settle for familiar or mediocre solutions when using AI tools. The study suggests that changing behaviors and biases is crucial for harnessing the full potential of AI to improve team-based problem solving.
Challenges in effectively utilizing chat GPT
The research revealed that teams using chat GPT had different approaches to utilizing the AI tool. Some teams became silent and relied solely on the AI tool, while others engaged in more iterative and collaborative discussions. The study emphasized the need for teams to move beyond using chat GPT as a search engine or information source, encouraging them to foster conversational interfaces and have meaningful conversations with the AI tool. The study also emphasized the importance of exploring alternative solutions and questioning assumptions to unlock the true potential of AI-assisted ideation.
Training teams for effective AI-assisted ideation
The study concluded with recommendations for training teams in AI-assisted ideation. It emphasized the need for teams to shift from seeking specific answers to having conversations with the AI tool. Creating outcome independence and seeking understanding from different perspectives can lead to better outcomes. The study also recognized the importance of fluency in conversing with AI and the need to develop AI conversationalists who can effectively leverage the capabilities of AI tools. Overall, the research highlighted the possibilities and challenges of integrating generative AI into team dynamics and problem-solving processes.
Enhancing Decision-Making with AI
The podcast discusses how AI, specifically chat GPT, can be used to facilitate decision-making processes. The host shares a personal story of using chat GPT to help his grandmother make a decision about assisted living. By asking targeted questions and engaging in a conversational manner, chat GPT provided valuable insights for the decision-making process. This story highlights the importance of framing the conversation appropriately and engaging in iterative conversations with AI to maximize its potential.
Closing the Gap between AI Potential and Reality
The podcast explores the gap between the theoretical potential of AI and its actual use in organizations. Many teams approach AI as a search query, resulting in limited and mediocre outcomes. However, teams that approach AI as a conversation partner and engage in iterative discussions achieve better results. The interaction with AI should not be limited to one query and one response but should involve a back-and-forth dialogue. This process requires changing traditional workflows, reframing behaviors, and investing effort in collaborative conversations with AI to fully harness its capabilities.
Jeremy Utley, Kian Gohar, 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 research, Utley and Gohar created a new paradigm for getting the most out of AI-assisted ideation which they call FIXIT.