The Role of AI at Cate Urban Communications
It’s AI Appreciation Day!
As of June, ChatGPT had 122 million daily active users worldwide generating over 1 billion queries per day. (I got that information from a ChatGPT query and it even told me where it got the information — demandsage.com.) It may surprise you to know, that as a creative communications professional, I am supportive of integrating AI into my everyday life and work flows. I am one of those millions of users who uses generative AI to find inspiration and improve processes. In honor of AI Appreciation Day, here are just a few ways I appreciate AI in my own life.
AI Generated Image: Abstract representation of a blonde woman talking to a chatbot
AI can be “That Coworker” you bounce ideas off of
In every job interview I have ever had, I described my approach to work as “social.” Meetings have their value, but running into someone from another team at the coffee maker often sparks conversation and fresh ideas that never make it into an agenda.
I became an independent consultant back in 2017. Overnight, I went from being surrounded by colleagues for 40 or more hours a week, to mostly being by myself or chatting up the work-from-home crowd at the local cafe. Occasionally, clients invited me into their places of work 2-3 days a week. Of course, the COVID pandemic happened and suddenly, I was all alone.
Post pandemic, I have never returned to an office. Most of my in-person social interaction comes from lunch break walks and on occasion, short meetings with clients. My two best collaborators are in different time zones and they have projects of their own to focus on. So now, what to do when I can’t think of the right way to say something? When I have just a nugget of an idea? I have started turning to ChatGPT.
The funniest thing: I often do not use what ChatGPT provides. It really just becomes the sounding board in a quiet room. I take some of the ideas and elaborate on them. I toss others that I think completely miss the mark. ChatGPT can’t make me laugh or buy me coffee, but it can keep the gears turning.
AI can make information more accessible and personalized
Web Designers and Developers are responsible for keeping websites 508 Compliant. Increasingly we are turning to AI for a helping hand.
AI-enabled accessibility plugins that allow users to improve their user experience according to their own needs. One such plugin is Ally. This free plugin to their websites because it’s a simple, effective step toward improving accessibility. Namely, it helps enhance usability with features like font adjustments, contrast controls, and focus highlight support. You can test it out soon when Blue Rose Capital Advisors’ new website is published this weekend. This plugin does not ensure compliance. We do. The plugin does enhance experience by accommodating an individual’s specific needs.
AI can help you out of a jam
Not too long ago I was diagnosed with arthritis. The initial flare up presented in a pain that started at the back of my neck down past my right elbow, made worse with associated nerve pain. Using my right hand to type meant excruciating pain. Not using my right hand meant endless typos and missed moments in meetings. Enter AI enabled text to speech options and AI assisted note takers. Did I need to spellcheck and make adjustments? Yes. Did I make sure my colleagues and clients were comfortable with AI “listening in”? Yes. It is not my preferred way to work, but it helped me keep up with a pile of work while allowing myself to heal.
Have questions on how to use AI at your office?
Client Mind Moves specializes in integrating AI solutions. Check out their website!
