AI Virtual Brainstorming

Edward Chalk Artificial Intelligence, Psychology

Introduction

Finding the most efficient schedule for a factory isn’t always straightforward. The variables are numerous, and the interplay between them intricate. One way to uncover the optimal schedule is to run a virtual factory simulation. By creating a digital model of the factory, complete with its processes and constraints, businesses can experiment with different schedules and workflows to see what works best, without disrupting actual production.

Similarly, for office decision-making, it can be hard to find the best outcome or decision. This is because office-type problems are multifaceted and require a combination of different personal qualities, thoughts and ingenuity to solve.

However, just as a virtual factory helps identify optimal schedules by testing different variables in a controlled environment, a virtual office simulation can help uncover the best approaches to decision-making by modelling synthetic brainstorming and decision making.

To skip the theory and go directly to a custom GPT for virtual brainstorming, click here.

Two Types of Teams

When you walk into an office, you might notice that the office space has a mix of different team dynamics at play.

  • Tightly-Coupled Functional Units: These teams consist of small groups of people work closely together every day, collaborating on specific tasks and projects. For example, in a marketing department, you might see a small team where a content creator, a graphic designer, and a social media manager huddle together, brainstorming ideas and working on campaigns.
  • Loosely-Coupled Teams: These are loosely knit work teams, such as the helpdesk team, the business analysis team, and the project management team. These teams do not work on the same projects all the time, but the individuals within them still share common goals and responsibilities. Their common skills reinforce each other’s work flow and contribute to the overall team success.

Team Psychodynamics

From a Transactional Analysis perspective, we can understand these two types of team groupings (close-knit functional unit, and loose-knit work teams) from the following perspective.

Tightly-Coupled Functional Units

A tightly coupled work unit will tend to consist of people with complementary ego states; the following combination is commonly found.

  • Adult: The rational, objective analyst and decision-maker who focuses on data and facts.
  • Child: The energetic, action-oriented implementer who drives projects forward with creativity and enthusiasm.
  • Parent: The meticulous, detail-oriented organizer who ensures that everything is correct and in place, and that procedures and standards are followed.

These efficient work units form naturally when individuals gravitate towards other individuals with complementary ego states. The rational Adult ensures decisions are logical and data-driven, the creative and dynamic Child introduces innovative solutions and works towards a practical outcome, and the meticulous Parent keeps everything organized and compliant.

Loosely-Coupled Teams

Teams tend to be composed of individuals who share similar ego states; these teams form around types of tasks or projects that require the collective strength of like-minded individuals.

  • Groups of Adults: These individuals might work on data-heavy projects or strategic planning. Their shared focus on logic and analysis helps them delve deep into complex problems, leveraging each other’s strengths in critical thinking and evidence-based decision-making.
  • Groups of Children: In creative departments, you might find teams of innovators and visionaries who thrive on brainstorming and ideation. These teams generate new ideas and explore possibilities, constantly pushing the envelope to come up with groundbreaking solutions.
  • Groups of Parents: These teams focused on quality assurance, compliance, or process improvement often consist of individuals who share a meticulous and methodical approach. They work together to ensure that projects adhere to high standards and that all processes are followed rigorously.

These loosely coupled groups, despite not working on the same projects every day, share a common mindset and expertise that allow them to come together as needed to tackle broader, complex issues. Their mutual reinforcement of skills and perspectives makes them effective problem-solvers and valuable assets in any organizational setting.

Brainstorming Psychodynamic Workflow

When brainstorming an idea, a structured approach can ensure that all perspectives are considered and that the most effective solutions are developed. Here’s how you can leverage the dynamics of both tightly-coupled triadic units and loosely-coupled ego state groups for optimal brainstorming:

  1. Pass the Idea to the Tightly-Coupled Functional Unit: Start by introducing the idea to a tightly-coupled triadic unit. This unit typically includes an Adult, a Child, and a Parent, each bringing their unique strengths to the table. For example, if the idea pertains to a new marketing campaign, you might bring it to a triad consisting of a marketing strategist (Adult), a creative director (Child), and a compliance officer (Parent).
  1. Pan Out the Problem to Adult, Child, and Parent Players: Within the triadic unit, divide the problem according to each member’s strengths:
      • The Adult focuses on analyzing data and understanding the practical implications.
      • The Child brainstorms creative and innovative approaches.
      • The Parent considers the ethical, procedural, and regulatory aspects.

    This division ensures that each aspect of the problem is thoroughly explored from different perspectives.

  1. Allow Ego State-Specific Members to Consult Their Own Teams: Each member of the triadic unit then goes to their own loosely-coupled team of similar ego states to brainstorm their segment of the problem:
      • The Adult consults with other data analysts and planners to delve deeper into the logical and strategic elements.
      • The Child joins a team of creatives and innovators to generate a wide array of new ideas and solutions.
      • The Parent collaborates with others who focus on compliance, quality control, and standard procedures to ensure all considerations are covered.

    This step enables in-depth exploration within each specific domain, leveraging the collective expertise and creativity of like-minded individuals.

  1. Report Back to the Original Functional Unit: After consulting their respective teams, each member of the triad brings their insights back to the original group. The Adult, Child, and Parent share their findings, ideas, and considerations, pooling their knowledge to create a comprehensive view of the problem and potential solutions.
  1. Let the Adult Player Synthesize Information and Come to a Conclusion: Finally, the Adult player in the original functional unit takes the lead in synthesizing all the gathered information. They combine the creative solutions proposed by the Child with the procedural insights from the Parent, along with their own logical analysis. The Adult then formulates a final recommendation or decision, ensuring that it is balanced, feasible, and aligned with the goals of the organization.

 

This structured approach to brainstorming leverages the diverse strengths of the individual team members and also fosters collaboration across different work teams.

A Brainstorming GPT

This GPT – AI Brainstorming Guide – is designed to follow the above process flow for virtual brainstorming. Let’s ask it a brainstorming type question and see how it responds.

Link to shared chat.

You

What’s the best way to stop people dropping litter outside a fast food outlet?

ChatGPT

To effectively address the issue of people dropping litter outside a fast food outlet, we’ll use a structured psychodynamic brainstorming process. This will involve forming a tightly-coupled functional team and engaging loosely-coupled teams in various ego states (Adult, Child, Parent) to explore the problem comprehensively from different perspectives.

Step 1: Identify the Knowledge Domain

The relevant knowledge domain here is urban cleanliness and behavior management, specifically in public and commercial spaces.

Step 2: Identify Relevant Professional Roles

  • Adult-Ego State Professional: Urban Planner or Environmental Health Officer.
  • Child-Ego State Professional: Marketing Specialist or Community Engagement Coordinator.
  • Parent-Ego State Professional: Compliance Officer or Policy Maker.

Step 3: Form a Tightly-Coupled Functional Team

We’ll create a triadic unit comprising:

  • Adult: Urban Planner.
  • Child: Marketing Specialist.
  • Parent: Compliance Officer.

Step 4: Pass the Question to the Tightly-Coupled Functional Team

The problem is presented: “How can we effectively stop people from dropping litter outside a fast food outlet?”

Step 5: Pan Out the Problem to Adult, Child, and Parent Players

Adult (Urban Planner)

Focuses on practical measures and data analysis:

  • Analyzing the placement and frequency of trash bins.
  • Studying pedestrian flow and behavior patterns.
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of existing signage and surveillance.

Child (Marketing Specialist)

Brainstorms creative approaches and community engagement ideas:

  • Developing fun and engaging litter campaigns.
  • Creating interactive and playful signage.
  • Organizing community events to raise awareness.

Parent (Compliance Officer)

Considers regulatory, ethical, and procedural aspects:

  • Ensuring compliance with local waste management laws.
  • Setting up fines and enforcement for littering.
  • Coordinating with local authorities for stricter littering regulations.

Step 6: Consult Ego State-Specific Teams

Adult Consults with Data Analysts and Planners

  • Urban Planner: “We need to evaluate pedestrian movement data to identify hotspots for littering.”
  • Data Analyst: “Analyzing peak times and trash bin usage could help optimize bin placement.”
  • Strategic Planner: “We could design the area to funnel people towards trash disposal points.”

Child Joins a Team of Creatives and Innovators

  • Marketing Specialist: “How about a social media campaign with a challenge to keep the area clean?”
  • Creative Director: “Interactive bins that play a jingle when used could be fun.”
  • Community Coordinator: “We could involve local schools in a ‘clean neighborhood’ project.”

Parent Collaborates with Compliance and Quality Control Professionals

  • Compliance Officer: “We should review and update local ordinances to include stricter penalties for littering.”
  • Quality Assurance Specialist: “Regular monitoring and reporting of littering incidents will help.”
  • Policy Maker: “Involving local government to support anti-litter campaigns could ensure compliance.”

Step 7: Ensure Extensive Dialog in Each Ego State-Specific Team

Each team has at least 20 lines of dialog to ensure thorough exploration of their segment of the problem. Here’s a sample from each:

Adult Team (Urban Planner, Data Analyst, Strategic Planner)

  • Urban Planner: “Data shows littering peaks during lunch hours.”
  • Data Analyst: “We need more bins in high traffic areas, like entrances and exits.”
  • Strategic Planner: “A covered bin area might reduce littering by protecting against wind.”

Child Team (Marketing Specialist, Creative Director, Community Coordinator)

  • Marketing Specialist: “What if we gamified litter disposal with a mobile app?”
  • Creative Director: “Yes, an app that rewards points for using bins could work.”
  • Community Coordinator: “Local businesses could sponsor rewards for the points.”

Parent Team (Compliance Officer, Quality Assurance Specialist, Policy Maker)

  • Compliance Officer: “We need visible signage about fines for littering.”
  • Quality Assurance Specialist: “Implement a routine for litter patrols.”
  • Policy Maker: “Lobby for laws that support business owners in maintaining cleanliness.”

Step 8: Report Back to the Original Functional Unit

Each member returns to the triadic unit and shares their insights:

  • Adult: “We need more strategically placed bins and better data-driven urban design.”
  • Child: “A community-driven campaign with fun elements can engage people in keeping the area clean.”
  • Parent: “Stricter regulations and active enforcement are essential.”

Step 9: Synthesize Information and Develop a Comprehensive Solution

Adult (Urban Planner) synthesizes:

  • Bin Placement: Increase the number of bins in high-traffic areas and make them more visible.
  • Engagement Campaign: Launch an engaging community campaign involving local businesses and schools.
  • Regulatory Measures: Implement stricter fines and regular patrols to enforce anti-littering laws.

Final Recommendation

To stop people from dropping litter outside the fast food outlet, we recommend a multifaceted approach:

  1. Infrastructure Improvement: Increase the number of trash bins and place them strategically.
  2. Community Engagement: Launch a fun, engaging campaign to encourage community participation.
  3. Regulatory Enforcement: Implement stricter fines and improve enforcement to discourage littering.

By integrating creative, practical, and regulatory strategies, we can create a comprehensive and effective solution to the littering problem.

This structured-thinking response compares favourably to the list-type response provided by native ChatGPT:

Link to shared chat.

You

What’s the best way to stop people dropping litter outside a fast food outlet?

ChatGPT

Addressing the issue of littering outside a fast food outlet requires a multi-faceted approach that combines physical measures, social responsibility, and community engagement. Here are some effective strategies:

1. Install More Bins

  • Visibility and Accessibility: Place bins in easily visible and accessible locations near the outlet.
  • Design and Frequency: Use bins that are designed for ease of use, and ensure they are emptied frequently to prevent overflow.

2. Bin Placement

  • Strategic Placement: Position bins at high-traffic areas, such as exits, parking lots, and along common pedestrian paths leading away from the outlet.
  • Encourage Usage: Place signage encouraging people to use the bins, such as “Please bin your litter here.”

3. Behavioral Nudges

  • Footprints and Signs: Use painted footprints leading to bins or signs that gently remind and encourage people to dispose of their litter properly.
  • Humorous or Creative Signs: Creative and humorous signs can catch attention and make the idea of disposing of litter more engaging.

4. Education and Awareness

  • Community Campaigns: Conduct local campaigns to educate the community about the impact of littering.
  • Customer Engagement: Use posters, flyers, or even tray liners with messages about keeping the area clean.

5. Incentives and Penalties

  • Reward Programs: Offer small discounts or rewards for customers who dispose of their waste properly.
  • Litter Fines: Work with local authorities to implement fines for littering in the vicinity.

6. Staff Involvement

  • Regular Patrols: Have staff regularly patrol the area to pick up litter and maintain cleanliness.
  • Litter Monitoring: Encourage staff to monitor and report littering behaviors to management.

7. Community Involvement

  • Clean-Up Events: Organize community clean-up events to keep the area tidy and foster a sense of shared responsibility.
  • Local Partnerships: Partner with local schools, businesses, and community groups to promote anti-littering efforts.

8. Fast Food Outlet Practices

  • Eco-Friendly Packaging: Use packaging that is less likely to blow away and more likely to be disposed of correctly.
  • On-Site Consumption: Encourage customers to eat in or have designated areas for on-site consumption where waste can be easily managed.

9. Designated Smoking Areas

  • Smoking and Litter: Provide designated smoking areas with appropriate disposal bins to reduce cigarette litter.

10. Technology Integration

  • Litter Sensors: Install smart bins with sensors that notify when they are full or need attention.
  • CCTV Monitoring: Use CCTV to monitor and deter littering, and support enforcement actions.

11. Regular Maintenance and Cleaning

  • Consistent Clean-Up: Maintain a regular schedule for cleaning the area around the outlet.
  • Power Washing: Use power washing to remove dirt and litter stains, keeping the area visually appealing.

12. Customer Messaging

  • Polite Reminders: Train staff to politely remind customers to dispose of their litter properly when handing out food.
  • Waste Reduction Campaigns: Promote campaigns that encourage customers to be more mindful of waste, such as offering discounts for bringing their own containers.

By implementing these strategies, you can create an environment that discourages littering and promotes cleanliness, thereby enhancing the overall appearance and reputation of the fast food outlet.

Conclusion

By using AI to simulate a virtual office we can mimic and explore the of collaborative brainstorming, this allows us to experiment with the decision-making processes in a controlled setting.

Ultimately, AI cannot replace human decision making, but it can help to

  • flesh out problems,
  • simulate professionals to whom the organisation may not have access and
  • provide a balanced view that indicates if the actual decision being made is skewed to one extreme or the other.

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