Generative AI: A Usability Challenge or a Competitive Edge?
Organisations should seize the opportunities presented by the complexity of AI’s UI and turn usability issues into competitive advantage.
Recently, reports have shown a decline in the usage of tools such as Google’s Bard, Microsoft’s Bing, and OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
Headlines have been raising concerns that the enthusiasm around Generative AI might be short-lived and that this is yet another bubble that is about to burst. But is this apprehension warranted? Where is GenAI in terms of adoption and what does this mean for enterprises who plan to make Generative AI their competitive edge?
Early Adoption and Competitive Edge
While the decline in usage is evident — ChatGPT saw a ten per cent drop from May through June — first and foremost, we should consider that other factors could contribute to this dip. After all, seasonal patterns, such as reduced activity during the summer break, are just as likely to cause decline as actual disinterest. In fact, when a technology is as nascent as Generative AI, the fact is that we are only just beginning to understand its seasonality and use.
In this sense, it is worth remembering how early we are in the adoption cycle of Generative AI. A report by McKinsey earlier this month showed that one-third of all organisations are already regularly using Generative AI in at least one function — and that 60 per cent of organisations with reported AI adoption are using GenAI. What’s more, 40 per cent of those reporting AI adoption at their organisations say their companies expect to invest more in AI overall thanks to Generative AI, with 28 per cent saying Generative AI use is on their board’s agenda.
These numbers are good, but clearly, the use of Generative AI is not ubiquitous just yet. We are still at the beginning of the Generative AI adoption journey, and organisations that are serious about making GenAI their competitive edge should act now if they wish to do so.
Navigating Usability Challenges
This is because although AI received a UI thanks to tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney, there is a level of skill required to use them properly. These tools still have their fair share of usability challenges, and once the basics are understood, there is still more to be learned. From Chain-of-Thought prompting to understanding parameters, GenAI is ultimately a skill set that requires time and effort to utilise.
Of course, one alternative is to await the complete resolution of usability challenges before embracing Generative AI. Yet, by opting for this route, enterprises risk losing any early-mover advantages that this technology promises. Instead, organisations should take a proactive stance and understand Generative AI's intricacies and stay ahead of the curve.
Technological Revolutions
We have seen this play out before. The internet was initially complex and challenging to navigate, with a UI that wasn’t particularly accessible to everyone. But those who persisted and mastered its usage early on gained a significant advantage as it became an essential tool for communication (Google), business (Amazon) and entertainment (Netflix).
However, following the Dotcom Crash, the prevailing scepticism would have led you to believe that none of these companies would come into being. At the time, it was only Dr Carlota Perez author of Technological Revolutions and Financial Capital: The Dynamics of Bubbles and Golden Ages, who thought differently.
Perez’s meticulous analysis of centuries of data encompassing epochs like the industrial revolution, the age of steam and railways, the steel and electricity era, and the rise of mass production and automobiles, illuminated a recurring phenomenon: technological revolutions.
Perez discovered that there were certain catalysts for paradigm shifts and that the emergence of “New Economies” are accompanied by bursts of innovation and focused industry growth. It is this surge in possibilities that often incubates financial bubbles and crises, an inherent cycle shaping our economic landscape.
A cursory glance at the above image will ring true with anyone who has lived through one of these revolutions before. At the same time, it is only the businesses which are able to anticipate these opportunities — and more importantly, invest in ensuring they are well-positioned to seize them — who will thrive in the tumultuous times ahead.
Learning Amidst Complexity: A Valuable Investment
Here at ACQUAINTED, our specialisation lies in aiding businesses and individuals in mastering the intricacies of Generative AI tools. By dedicating efforts to comprehend these tools, businesses can gain a competitive advantage that grows even greater in the face of usability challenges. By investing effort into mastering Generative AI and overcoming its usability challenges, businesses and individuals can emerge as leaders in the emerging landscape where AI proficiency is highly valued.
With the correct guidance, practice, and determination, organisations can unravel the potential of Generative AI today, turning usability challenges into their unique competitive advantage.
If you would like to ensure that your company is ready to harness the immense opportunities presented by Generative AI. Get in touch with our founder at elliot@acquainted.studio.