Creative problem-solving starts with smart, diverse ideas. Generative AI tools like Google Workspace with Gemini can offer a trove of ideas at a brainstorming phase. They can also help ground our decisions in research, reduce bias, and, along the way, drive better decision-making. Here are several ways to get there.
Lean on an AI research assistant to uncover information
Several AI models offer research tools that can also generate reports. Deep Research is a built-in feature in Gemini and available for free to most Workspace customers. It can help you structure and execute a multi-step research plan. First, you select your research topic, and then Deep Research uses a phased approach to gather, analyze, and draft the information.
A product development team could use Deep Research to first analyze market trends and competing products and then generate a report recommending specific product innovations.
Find the unexpected solution to a problem
When faced with tough problems, our brains tend to look for familiar solutions. This is known as the “Einstellung effect.” Gemini can help you uncover creative ideas outside of your familiar “go-to” zone.
Here are two examples of innovative thinking with Gemini:
Sundogs is a creative performance consultancy that serves a global clientele, from media and entertainment companies to global beauty brands. When their client Urban Decay, a brand born in the 90s, wanted to rebrand for a modern audience, they used Gemini to help the team understand the difference between what was cool then and what is cool now. Before, gathering this type of information could take days, but Gemini created a chart comparing audience behaviors in a matter of minutes. This gave Urban Decay insights on how to authentically shift their branding while staying true to their core values.
An enterprise customer was grappling with a configuration issue that caused an unusual chain of technical events. These events were documented across multiple lengthy reports, all in different formats: chat messages, support system tickets, emails, and more. But there was no easy way to analyze all of it to understand what happened. It was decided to gather everything and paste it into gemini.google.com (which preserves an organization’s trust boundary) and Gemini was used to summarize what had transpired. Eventually, Gemini was asked to write a root cause analysis. Upon reviewing the report, the only thing needed was personalization, and that was it. This is a task that would have taken a team many days of work to do what Gemini for Workspace helped accomplish in a matter of hours.
Generate ideas quickly — and at scale
Generative AI offers a fast, cost-effective way to explore novel concepts and connect ideas. Say a software product team needs help identifying and prioritizing new product features. Each team member prepares for the brainstorming session so they can present unexpected ideas and perspectives. For instance:
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- One person gets ideas by feeding customer feedback and support tickets into Gemini.
- Another asks Gemini to imagine what the product might look like in 2 years.
- A third requests features inspired by game design.
Reduce bias
We all have biases, and so do generative AI tools. After all, they are developed by people. Generative AI can help remove blind spots by offering a greater volume and diversity of ideas. Biases can be based on things like gender, education level, or access to technology. They can also be based on job function. A team of junior engineers, for example, might design a product that is difficult for older consumers to use.
You may not realize a bias in your idea generation. Incorporate prompts designed to reveal less visible approaches and viewpoints—to challenge or illuminate your own biases. You can even challenge tools like Gemini to uncover potential sources of bias or contradictory ideas in your work.
Remember that an abundance of ideas in a brainstorming session is a good thing. But only humans have the context and ethical framework to evaluate those ideas and make decisions.
Before making a decision, refine your options
Now that you’ve asked the right questions, it’s time to make some decisions. Set aside time to digest and interpret the information. Get feedback from team members and colleagues across your organization. For example, that software product team considering new features could ask customers which new features they like best. Gemini (accessed through Sheets, for example) can help by building a decision framework. Gemini can suggest categories to consider, assign values, and create a chart with the data. If you’re evaluating new product features, you might prioritize:
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- Low resource requirements
- Ease of integration
- Customer request rate for the feature
- Low overall cost
Embrace change
With Gemini as your creative thinking partner, you can break free from conventional thinking and gain a fresh approach. That can help you anticipate and adapt to future changes, and be better prepared for tomorrow’s business challenges.
At G Nerd, we know that adopting these tools can make a difference in your team’s productivity. If you want to know how to implement them into your workflow or need advice on your Google Workspace plan, contact us today!
