AI holds so much potential that it can be overwhelming. Planning a trip to Rome? AI can help you figure out an itinerary. Trying to use up the groceries in your fridge? AI can whip up a recipe. Youâve likely started using AI for all sorts of scenarios. But while youâre experimenting, youâll also begin to run into limitations.Â
The trick to AI is figuring out where it can effectively deliver value in your life and where it falls short, then leaning into the most effective use cases. For instance, AI may not be able to write a great book, but it can help you organize plot points. It can also help you in one of the most crucial phases of project planning: brainstorming.
Using AI for brainstorming is like accessing a whole other brain. In this article, weâll go over the benefits, which tools to use, and how to properly utilize them to get the most out of the brainstorming process.
Benefits of using AI for brainstormingÂ
If youâre new to using AI, you may not know why itâs worth trying. But hereâs why itâs so valuable:
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It doesnât share your viewpoints: Your own brainstorming stops at your knowledge's end, but AI is limitless. You have biases, language limitations, and perspectives that AI doesnât share. For example, letâs say youâre brainstorming a new recipe. Your knowledge may be limited to ingredients available at your local supermarket and youâll be biased by what youâve seen at local restaurants. But, AI can brainstorm using ingredients and methods from all over the world and throughout history.Â
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It doesnât get writerâs block: AI doesnât experience the fear of a blank page. What it lacks in quality, it makes up for in quantity, so youâll never be short of ideas and inspiration to think outside the box.
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It fills gaps: Humans arenât great at analyzing huge data sets, and we certainly canât do it instantaneously. Thatâs where AI excels. In seconds, it can identify common denominators or paths of least resistance, create maps, and interpret data.
But, of course, there are limitations, too. AI can offer you options and ideas, but it canât automatically make considerations for which is best. Thatâs why itâs helpful for brainstorming specifically. AI can provide many options, and then you can use your intuition and contextual knowledge to vet them and decide whatâs best.
AI brainstorming tools
Are you eager to get started? Weâll walk you through some of our favorite AI brainstorming tools so you can try them all.
ChatGPT
Developed by OpenAI, ChatGPT is a text-based chat bot designed to understand and generate human-like text based on the input it receives. It can have conversations, answer questions, write content, and assist with a variety of tasks that primarily involve language. ChatGPT can also produce images and it allows you to upload your own for reference. However, its responses can lack depth and be prone to error, especially with highly specialized or niche topics. You donât need an account to access ChatGPT, and itâs free. Advanced features are also available with a subscription.
Gemini
Gemini doesnât require an account, either, and is also free. Googleâs AI assistant claims itâs faster than ChatGPT (though theyâre both instant, so thereâs no noticeable difference), and it prides itself on exceptional brainstorming. Like ChatGPT, Gemini is text-based, but can also answer questions in relation to photos you upload. So, for instance, if you uploaded a picture of your living room and asked for decorating ideas, it could understand the elements of the photo and give you text responses. However, it wonât alter the image as a response. Â
Collaborative AI
Lucidâs AI tool is embedded directly into Lucid. Instead of generating ideas individually, your team can utilize the AI feature in a brainstorming session and review responses together in real time. Collaborative AI can help you brainstorm more than before and identify themes in ideas. After your session, it can also summarize what you accomplished and suggest next steps. Collaborative AI essentially takes the logistical work out of conducting a brainstorming session and incorporates all the worldâs knowledge to draw upon.Â