How to use generative AI in strategic foresight

Lessons learned through experimentation with the creation of a customized ChatGPT for scenario planning

A linear representation of scenario planning. Image by author.

Introduction — Generative AI is your new thinking partner

During 2023 we’ve all got a taste of what large language models (LLMs) and generative AI can do for us in areas such as content generation, data analysis, and just as a brainstorming partner. In addition, by now we can all assume AI won’t replace humans in most jobs, including design and strategy roles, but people who know how to leverage AI and deliver better results, definitely will.

This article is the first in a series of a few articles I’m working on to experiment with generative AI as a thinking partner in the fields of service design, strategic design, and user research, and how it can help us deliver better results than what we can do without it.

Understanding the limitations of generative AI, I chose to focus on narrowing the applications I experimented with since AI delivers the best results in well-scoped areas. Moreover, I chose areas where precision isn’t necessary. AI is known to sometimes “hallucinate” and deliver made-up facts (a lawyer even lost a case because of it). If all you need is some inspiration…