AI is the ultimate partner for moving from a “blank page” to a structured concept. Whether you’re planning a complex system architecture, naming a new venture, or exploring content angles, AI helps you exhaust all options quickly so you can focus on the best ones. It helps you explore the full landscape of possibilities so you can choose the strongest path forward.
⚡ Quick Win: The “Idea Multiplier” Prompt
Use this to turn one good thought into a dozen possibilities:
Try this:
“I have an initial idea for [Topic/Project]. Give me 10 creative variations or ‘what if’ scenarios for this concept. Focus on diverse angles—some practical, some bold, and some experimental.”
📸 Pro-Tip: Staring at a mind map on a whiteboard or a messy sketch in your notebook? Snap a photo and ask:
“Based on these scribbles, identify the 3 most promising themes and suggest 5 ways to expand on each.”
💭 Generate Ideas Quickly
AI is the ultimate partner for getting past the “what if?” stage. Use it to generate:
- Project Pillars: “What are the 5 core components I need for a [Project Type]?”
- Naming & Branding: “Suggest 20 names for a new tool that focuses on [Key Value].”
- Content Hooks: “Give me 10 intriguing headlines for a blog post about [Topic].”
🔍 Explore Alternatives & “Red Teaming”
Before you commit to a strategy, use AI to play “Devil’s Advocate” and find the gaps in your thinking.
Try this:
“I am planning to [Describe your approach]. Act as a skeptical project manager. Point out 3 potential risks in this plan and suggest 3 alternative strategies to mitigate them.”
🧱 Breaking Creative Blocks
If you’re stuck in a specific “moment,” ask AI to change the perspective or provide a new constraint to spark your intuition.
Try this:
“I’ve hit a wall with [Specific Problem]. Describe how a [completely different profession, e.g., an Architect / a Chef / a Coder] would look at this problem and what solutions they might try.”
🧭 Next Steps
- Start fast: Try the Quick Win to generate your first batch of ideas.
- Take Action: If your brainstorming led to a new project, visit Project Management with AI to build your roadmap.
- Communicate the Vision: Use the Write Better Emails guide to pitch your new ideas to stakeholders.
- Starter Pack: Check out the AI for Work Starter Pack if you need a step-by-step tutorial on clearing your plate.
⚠️ A quick note
AI can generate ideas that sound logical but aren’t technically or practically sound. Use the AI’s output to spark your own thinking—you are the final judge of what will actually work in your specific context.