Unlocking creativity: Integrating GenAI in our early design discovery
Product Design Specialist Suraj Soren dives into the world of GenAI and explains how he and his team are starting to use Gen AI in the design research space.
GenAI (Generative Artificial Intelligence) and AI are hot topics in tech. Especially since OpenAI launched their open-source LLM, ChatGPT, in November 2022. GPT stands for Generative Prompt Transformer.
This data technology has levelled the playing field. Anyone with an internet connection and a computer can now enhance their workflow.
At BT Business, our designers are starting to embrace AI. They see it as a spark for innovation. We are cautious about AI, especially regarding confidentiality and ethics. We know it could affect our skills.
This article will explore our design team’s use of GenAI in early work in the Omnichannel Broadband Space. We thoroughly test these tools. We must balance their use. We need to avoid over-relying on GenAI for Product and UX design.
I trust this article will be valuable to you. It explores the changing world of design with GenAI.
BT & Microsoft Co-Pilot
BT Group as a whole has opted into using Microsoft Co-Pilot as its engine for GenAI use. BT’s long, strong partnership with Microsoft is the reason. It lets us use a service that keeps our data secure and private. However, this doesn’t necessarily imply that it’s the superior choice. For a good comparison of GenAI software, read Aditya Sharma’s article, “11 Best Generative AI tools and platforms.”
Design Research and GenAI Integration
GenAI offers exciting possibilities for enhancing design research processes. A full exploration of this topic would need a series of articles. I will, however, cover some key ways to use GenAI in user research. I will focus on a recent workshop experience.
- Insight Genie: This is an internal upcoming BT beta platform. It’s powered by GenAI. It promises to revolutionise insight discovery and summarisation. Our design team are eagerly awaiting its release in late August 2024.
- Thematic analysis: We’ve tested GenAI in thematic analysis and affinity mapping. These areas allow for more subjective application, where human judgment plays a crucial role.
- Workshop Efficiency: In a recent workshop, I took advantage of GenAI to consolidate raw data. Specifically, I used it to create goals that prompted breakout room teams during ideation sessions. This saved me and my team lot of time going through each insight individually. In the past, this task would have taken up to a week with two people or even two weeks if I tackled it alone.
After this initial breakthrough of helping me decipher user research insights. I’ve realised the immense value of integrating GenAI into our design thinking processes. It’s a powerful tool that not only saves time but also fosters collaboration and creativity.
GenAI for Ideation: A Workshop Success Story
Sparking Creativity: In a recent Product Experience Vision workshop, we used GenAI for ideation prompting purposes. This workshop aimed to unite our stakeholders. We wanted to build core experience concepts from our user research. Here’s how it transformed our ideation process:
Data Consolidation and Idea Generation: Our first task was to use GenAI to generate 10 ideas based on the goals summarized from insights. By automating this step, we not only streamlined data handling but also sparked creativity. These initial ideas served as a springboard for further brainstorming.
Efficient Scheduling: Beyond data handling, GenAI assisted in workshop scheduling. Routine tasks, like scheduling the workshop, were automated. This included recommending break-out room groups and summarising large sections of work. We now had more time to refine concepts.
Post-It Analysis: Workshops often use many post-it notes. Designers know this well. GenAI stepped in as our virtual assistant, organising and categorising these ideas. We did this by collecting all the post-it notes and using them to train Co-Pilot to help suggest strong concept themes that have started to emerge. No more manual sorting; just creative chaos tamed.
GenAI for Visualisation and Concept Creation
Storyboards and Persona Visualisation: Visualising our personas in action alongside our concepts is essential for effective design. Our personas could be different types of small to medium businesses (SMEs) and single-office home office workers (SOHOs). These businesses can be an independent cafe, a personal training business, artists, and more. They all have important connectivity needs. GenAI does have the capability to assist visualizing our customers in this area:
Storyboard Creation with GenAI: Storyboards are key to showing user experiences and interactions. Traditional sketching remains valuable, but GenAI offers an intriguing alternative. By uploading images or sketches, you can prompt GenAI to riff off your visual ideas. It’s akin to having a collaborative partner who grasps your vision. However, there’s a caveat. Iterating with GenAI can take time. Depending on your skill, one method may be better than the other. This applies to both manual sketching and AI interaction.
Concept Writing: Before diving into detailed design, GenAI can help you articulate concepts in written form. Whether it’s a product feature or a user flow, GenAI streamlines the process by turning ideas into coherent descriptions.
User Journey Steps: Mapping out the user journey is crucial. GenAI lets you create step-by-step narratives. This ensures a complete understanding of the user experience. GenAI is a valuable companion. It helps you navigate complex user journeys, whether you’re simplifying a multi-step process or tackling a complex flow.
Rapid Refinement: In co-working sessions, refining concepts can be time-consuming. GenAI accelerates this process, allowing you to iterate and improve ideas swiftly.
GenAI Watch-outs
When using GenAI in front-end design, consider these key points:
Visual Consistency: GenAI can generate components. But, they must align with your design language when doing concept or execution work. Consistency across your interface is crucial for a seamless user experience.
Human-Centric Design: Remember that GenAI operates based on patterns and data. Inject your human intuition and empathy into your design processes. Consider user needs, emotions, and context beyond what the AI suggests.
Customisation and Uniqueness: GenAI is known for proposing generic solutions. Make them fit your key insights and early design work. Add unique touches that resonate with your customers.
Iterate and Refine: GenAI provides a starting point, but don’t settle for what it gives you straight away. Iterate, gather feedback, and refine. Design is an ongoing process. AI can enhance it, but we need human creativity.
Conclusion
Integrating GenAI in early design has transformed BT Business. It has improved research and boosted creativity. However, it’s an ongoing process, requiring continuous development and learning. Prompt engineering plays a vital role, blending technical and creative skills.
While GenAI offers immense potential, caution is essential. Data leaks and misuse show the need for strong security and ethics.
In summary, GenAI is a strong ally in early design work. But it can’t replace human intuition. It amplifies our capabilities, promising innovative solutions as we navigate this exciting landscape.
