Oh, hey!

Are you a bit confused by AI (artificial intelligence)? It’s all moving pretty fast and sometimes it's hard to spot when it's been used. Will these technologies become our robot overlords or can we tame this beast for our benefit?

I’m in your inbox today to share how I use AI (and what I definitely never do).

Let's get into it!

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Tech Thoughts:
Is AI More Than a Glorified Calculator?

Today’s thought might be especially helpful for those of you who are newer to utilizing AI.​
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Some folks I know who are in marketing and the creative fields have already changed careers. They were afraid AI would ultimately make them obsolete.

Here’s why I’m not worried: we have a competitive edge.

1. Emotional intelligence​
   AI isn’t capable of human feelings, and understanding human feelings should 1000% be your priority in building community, in business in general.
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2. Cultural awareness​
   Generative AI has been known to reinforce gender and racial stereotypes. Even programmed corrections have gone foul. And how many times do I have to tell an AI to stop using “tribe” inappropriately in a CTA? Turns out, a lot.
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3. Judgement​
   I think this image speaks for itself, but in case you’re not familiar with internet “slop”, check out Google dragging its own AI! Unintentionally, of course.​
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   Not to mention, AI is inconsistent in its adherence to ethics, even for a simple task. Sometimes it will perform a task for you, sometimes it won’t (citing inaccessibility, sheer inability, or making something up). Sometimes if you give the same query in a new way the judgement flips. What's the reasoning? Who knows.
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4. Taste
   ​Not to toot my own horn, but I consider my taste level to be a personal superpower. AI is (so far) incapable of this kind of stylistic discernment.
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   When I've tried generative AI for images, everything looks like 90's clip art. Not what I'm going for, and likely not what's going to work for you. And you've got to get pretty great at prompt engineering to steer it away from the cliche, overused language.

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So, how do I use AI conscientiously?

1. To get un-stuck.
   ​e.g. “write five versions of this sentence”
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2. To generate ideas and research (please always, ALWAYYYYS double check the 🤖 research)
   ​e.g. general user research and patterns, especially in a brainstorming phase where I’m looking for sheer volume and access to ideas that aren’t naturally occurring to me.
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3. To fully clarify what I don’t want.​
   Admittedly, this happens most of the time, even when I’ve given a lot of parameters in the prompt. Because AI doesn't have the same emotional/cultural awareness, judgement, or taste, I see these are missing in its response and it helps me refine my own point of view!

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Three Lesser-Known Platforms to Try

1. Pi – a nice alternative to GPT
2. Claude – great for writing, not so much for research
3. Perplexity – gives you a nice library of threads

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How do you use AI? Any funny stories about AI dumpster fires? Hit reply and let me know!

Warmly,​
​Reesa

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Hey, thanks for being here.

I made you a present! (it's a playlist)

Are you getting a lot of “New Year, New You” messaging already? Yeah, me too.
I made a playlist that feels like a big ole’ eye roll and hearty pat on the back.
We did it.
It’ll be a New Year, and I like you the way you are.
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About Reesa​
​I believe that all projects are partnerships and that everyone deserves someone they can trust, whether you’re flying off a trapeze or hunting for a designer for your annual report. With Ballyhoo, you get a team who cares about more than pocket-lining: you get partners who help ensure that Your message matters™. Together, we craft work that deeply resonates with your audience and helps you achieve your goals.
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Reesa is an active member of the Association of Registered Graphic Designers of Canada, and serves on its bright and tenacious Diversity & Inclusion Committee.

Beyond design, Reesa is a parent to a young girl gang, and moves from weightlifting to vernacular jazz dance (though seldom together), along with reading, cooking, and reading about cooking. She’s always happy to talk about vegetarian food or her temperamental sourdough starter, Pudding.