CONTEXTUAL DISCOVERY

This phase was about quickly grasping the business context and identifying relevant dynamics. I worked with stakeholders to select participants, then ran interviews across teams to surface insights. As part of the experiment, I used AI tools to extract high-level patterns, though I found the insights remained quite generic.

Workshop design

The AI workshop format was built using a design toolkit I had previously created to help teams craft thoughtful, structured sessions. I then designed an AI workshop for a client. When this brief came on, I redesigned the template to be reusable across contexts, while making sure participants walked away with a clear understanding of what AI is, and what it could do for them.

The workshop

• Breaking Down AI: Our first attempt used a slide presentation and Q&A format, which proved passive. We pivoted to a discussion-based approach, creating space for participants to admit gaps in their knowledge and engage with examples tailored to their world.

• Understanding Business Challenges: Interview insights were reframed as challenge statements and simple process maps. These were refined and prioritised with the group.

• Assessing AI Opportunities: In teams, participants selected one challenge and two opportunities, then mapped their potential impact.

• Bringing It to Life: Each team envisioned how their chosen AI opportunity might work in practice. The teams then had to use an AI presentation tool to communicate their designs.