Dear Dex,
My inbox is overflowing with “AI will solve everything!” pitches. My boss wants AI-powered coffee machines that predict our caffeine cravings (creepy, right?). Everyone’s chasing the shiny AI object, but nobody’s asking the simple question: “Will this actually help our customers, or is it just cool tech for tech’s sake?”
We’re trying to cut through the noise and build AI that actually matters, stuff people genuinely need. We’ve got a way to figure out what problems are real and where AI can be a real hero, not just a fancy gadget. It’s like finding the right key for the right lock, not just trying every key in the box.
So, Dex, how do we get past the AI hype and build stuff customers will actually love (and use!)?
Almost Drowning in AI Hype,
Problem Solver in Paradise
Dear Problem Solver in Paradise,
Ah, the siren song of “AI will fix it all!” It’s a catchy tune, isn’t it? Makes you want to slap an algorithm on everything from making toast to walking the dog. But you’re spot on, my friend. Just because we can doesn’t mean we should. Building AI for the sake of AI is like putting a spoiler on a tricycle – it looks flashy but doesn’t really add any value (and might even look a bit silly).
Your quest to find genuine customer problems that AI can meaningfully solve is the holy grail of responsible innovation. It’s about being a detective, not just a magician. You’re looking for the real pain points, the frustrations that keep your customers up at night (metaphorically speaking, unless your AI is designed to tackle insomnia).
Your framework for evaluating AI use cases? That’s your secret weapon! It’s the compass that guides you through the AI wilderness, preventing you from chasing digital unicorns. Think of it as a reality check for all those “AI-powered everything!” ideas.
So, how do you get past the hype and build what customers truly want? IMHO, it boils down to a few key things:
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Listen Like Your Business Depends On It. Actually talk to your customers. What are their real struggles? What tasks do they dread? Where are they losing time, money, or sanity? Forget the buzzwords and focus on the fundamental human (or business) need.
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Problem First, Tech Second. Don’t start with the AI hammer and then go looking for a nail. Identify the problem first, and then explore if AI is the most effective tool to solve it. Sometimes, a simpler, non-AI solution is the better answer.
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Can AI Really Make a Difference? Not every problem is an AI problem. Your framework likely helps you assess if AI can provide a significant improvement over existing solutions. Can it automate a tedious task with high accuracy? Can it uncover insights from vast amounts of data that humans can’t? Can it personalize an experience in a truly meaningful way?
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Will They Use It? Building a technically brilliant AI solution that nobody adopts is a costly exercise in futility. Consider the user experience. Is it intuitive? Does it solve their problem in a way that fits into their workflow? Will they trust it?
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Ethical Considerations (The “Don’t Be Creepy” Rule). Just because you can collect certain data and build certain features doesn’t mean you should. Think about privacy, bias, and the potential for unintended negative consequences. Building trust is paramount.
Your approach, Problem Solver, is the right one. It’s about being customer-centric, problem-focused, and using AI as a powerful enabler, not just a shiny distraction. Keep digging for those real needs, keep applying your framework, and you’ll be building AI solutions that not only work but are genuinely valued by your customers. You’ll be the hero in their story, not just the person who added another layer of complexity.
Keep that paradise view in mind – you’re on the right track to building something truly valuable amidst the AI frenzy. Stay grounded in reality (and customer needs!)
Be well. Stay kind.
– Dex
