SOLVE A REAL PROBLEM

What this project is

Start with a real problem in your work, home, community, or everyday life.

Use AI as a problem-solving partner. Ask it to help you define the problem, identify possible causes, generate solutions, compare the options, and plan what to do next.

Good problems to start with

  • A recurring household problem

  • A process that takes too much time

  • Something that is confusing or difficult to organize

  • A communication problem

  • A recurring work problem

  • A decision that keeps getting postponed

  • Something that costs more than it should

  • A task that could be simpler

Start with this prompt

I have a problem I want to solve: [describe the problem]. Don't jump straight to a solution. Ask me questions to help define the problem, identify possible causes, and clarify what a successful solution would look like. Then help me develop and compare possible solutions.

Work through the project

1. Define the problem
What is actually going wrong?

2. Find the causes
What might be causing the problem? What information would help you find out?

3. Generate possible solutions
Ask AI for several approaches rather than settling on the first idea.

4. Compare the options
What are the costs, benefits, risks, and practical requirements of each?

5. Try a solution
Choose an approach and put it into practice.

6. Learn from the result
What worked? What didn't? What should you change?

PACT reminder

Purpose — What problem are you trying to solve?
Add Context — What does AI need to know about the situation?
Converse — What questions or alternatives should you explore?
Test — Does the solution actually solve the problem?

Things to watch for

AI may offer an attractive solution before you have correctly defined the problem. Don't confuse treating a symptom with solving the underlying problem.

Real-world problems can have causes that AI cannot see from the information you provide. Test assumptions, involve the people affected, and try the solution on a small scale when possible.

Your first step

Choose one real problem that you would like to make better.