A place to begin with AI

What is AI?

AI spans a range of technologies, from traditional rule-based systems for specific tasks to generative AI, which adapts and creates content like improv. Machine learning (ML) identifies patterns in structured tasks, while deep learning uses advanced neural networks for complex applications. Transformative models enable human-like responses by processing data in parallel. Yet AI remains a pattern recognition tool rooted in past data, not a future predictor.

• AI is not just ChatGPT
• Traditional AI is a scripted play, Gen AI is like Improv
• Machine Learning is not Deep Learning
• ChatGPT is like Type Ahead Search - a word generator
• Attention is All You Need

How Does AI Work?

AI generates human-like responses by compressing vast datasets into patterns, akin to a lossy JPEG. Large Language Models (LLMs) map relationships through neural networks, enabling tasks like text generation, but rely on biased historical data, limiting innovation. With quality training data dwindling, approaches like Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) and specialized smaller models are emerging to enhance accuracy. AI’s potential is vast but requires human creativity and oversight to realize responsibly.

• LLMs are like a JPG of the Internet/Training Data
• LLMs are like 6 degrees of separation game
• People are Biased so Data is Biased
• Garbage In, Garbage Out
• AI is Potent with Potential, but Not All Powerful
• AI Is Trained on the Past can’t Predict the Future
• Small Models May Win
• RAG - The Best of Both Worlds??

uxGPT: Mastering AI Assistants for User Experience Designers and Product Managers

RECOMMENDED REsource

An essential read with practical strategies to harness AI Assistants to plan and brainstorm user experience and product management activities. By mastering these prompts within the design thinking process, you'll unlock new ways to streamline workflows and generate innovative solutions.

How to Approach AI?

Approaching AI requires treating it as a collaborative tool, not a directive force, leveraging its strengths in idea generation, refinement, and cognitive assistance while relying on human judgment for the "messy middle." AI excels at brainstorming, pattern recognition, and narrowing skills gaps but depends on clear framing and context to be effective. It acts as a thought partner, providing suggestions and feedback rather than definitive answers, and is best suited for hot starts and polish rather than complex, nuanced tasks. To maximize its value, integrate AI as part of iterative processes, ensuring it complements human creativity, decision-making, and design.

• AI is a Suggestion, Not Direction
• Gen AI Helps with Hot Starts and Refinement - Not the Messy Middle
• Prompt Engineering is Coding in your Natural Language
• Applied AI is Not New in Production
• Treat AI as a Thought Partner
• AI Products Don’t Begin with Blank Page
• AI is Rethinking the Double Diamond Process

What does AI Mean?

AI offers both promise and challenges, shifting from use-case identification to solving broader business problems while prioritizing augmentation over automation. Human-centric AI enhances, rather than replaces, human expertise, with liberal arts skills crucial for articulating AI's potential. Efficiency gains risk driving consumption, while generative AI may thrive as a component in workflows. Viewing AI as "Augmented Intelligence" reduces risks, amplifies human capabilities, and ensures better outcomes.

• AI is Hype… and Hope
• There is no AI without us
• Revenge of the Liberal Arts Majors
• AI Has an “Articulation Barrier”
• AI Efficiency May Lead to More AI Consumption
• Companies are trying to Lock In Now
• Tech Platforms are not Considered Publishers
• Results as a Service - RAAS
• GaaC - Generative AI as a Component (not the entire service)
• AI is the Automation of Automation
• AI is not Artificial Intelligence

About AI Demystifying

You don’t have to be an expert to understand AI, just like you don’t have to be a mechanic to drive a car.

But it can be challenging to sort through the noise - and we need cartoons in our heads about how technologies work.

AI Demystifying is a place to begin sorting through the hype, unpacking foundational concepts and developing frames of reference for AI.

Process is a set of tools, not rules.

AI Demystifying is another UX How Tool from Method Toolkit LLC.

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About UX How and T. Parke

UX How is a set of UX & Product Design “How To” sites with insights, resources, and blueprints for Design, UX and AI.

T. Parke is the Director of UX How with prior experience at ESPN, Disney, and Alaska Airlines. He has previously been a design leader on projects for Rolling Stone, Microsoft, Nickelodeon, and Marvel.

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