Idea generation is a core discipline for us, and it requires creativity. So, how good a partner can artificial intelligence really be? Pretty good, it seems.
The AI wave has hit, and like everyone else, we’re taking note of the trend: can the tool be used in our work and how?
We have already benefited from ChatGPT to generate texts and emails, just like most others who have tried their hand at the technology. We’ve also used it to compare contracts: where are the differences, and what should we be aware of?
Generative AI is undoubtedly already capable of helping us with a wide range of such tasks during the workday. But can we also use it for the core disciplines of our business – such as idea generation, which we consider a more creative field?
We asked ourselves and ChatGPT 3.5 this question recently. And after some back and forth, the chatbot concluded:
“I can certainly help provide inspiration and explore ideas, but when it comes to groundbreaking, revolutionary technologies, it’s often the result of intensive research and development efforts by experts in the field.”
A tool for systematic idea generation
Although ChatGPT is not (yet?) a revolutionary inventor or technological pioneer, it can already be a valuable partner in the idea development process when inventing.
In addition to the day-to-day operations at Lolle & Nielsen Inventions, we also teach creative and systematic idea generation. ChatGPT is particularly good at the systematic part of that task. What ideas and solutions already exist for a specific problem – and how new are they?
It may go without saying, but it’s clear that the suggestions from ChatGPT are a systematic extraction of what already exists in the market. But where you could spend a morning on desktop research, ChatGPT can provide a powerful starting point in just a few minutes. A starting point that can kick-start the more creative part of the work. And, after all, aren’t new inventions often a combination of different things already in the frame of mind?
We’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg
Our little experiment concludes that ChatGPT is already a scary good helper. Since the technology has only been in the public domain for a year, we’ve obviously only seen the tip of the iceberg that is generative AI.
Initially, we need to experiment even more to explore the possibilities and learn how to integrate them into our workflows.
The most significant task will probably be to keep up with the development. ChatGPT 4.0 is already here, with the addition of image generation and internet access, among other things. So, how much better will the tool be at generating ideas?
