I test the AI tools, design trends, and brand moves marketers are talking about, then tell you what holds up and what doesn’t. Written by the author of the bestselling The Visual Marketer, after 20+ years leading brand, creative, and digital experience marketing teams.
It feels late, but it's not
29 November 2023 | Issue #25 |
The more things change, the more they stay the same, especially when it comes to tech revolutions. Massive shifts like AI are nothing we haven't seen in the past. Think about the telegraph or the assembly line – these weren't just inventions, they were game-changers that totally reshaped how we work and live. It's like we're in the middle of another one of those big shifts with AI. Some people think AI will be bigger than the Internet. For those of you of a certain age, you remember what the world was like before we were online. But here's the thing: it's still early days. If you're feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the AI buzz, you're not alone. We're all in this boat together, trying to figure out how to navigate these uncharted waters. The key is not to panic. Just like people learned to adapt to the telegraph and the Internet, we're learning how to make AI work for us. I recently read an article from "One Useful Thing," it's clear that the integration of AI into our work environments is not just a fleeting trend but a significant shift in how we approach organizational structures and processes. The article highlights how AI, particularly Large Language Models (LLMs) like GPT-4, are uniquely suited to handle tasks at a human scale, such as reading documents, writing emails, and assisting with projects. This capability is already being leveraged in various ways, often without formal approval from higher-ups, indicating a grassroots adoption of AI within organizations. For instance, at Wharton Interactive (a group within Wharton business school), AI is used extensively, from generating documentation to assisting in coding and ideation. This has effectively expanded the team's capabilities at a fraction of the cost. But the real challenge lies in reimagining our work processes to fully harness AI's potential. The article provides a compelling example of how a feature design process for an educational game can be transformed by AI, reducing a week-long process to just a couple of days. This involves using AI for initial feedback, synthesizing team inputs, creating visual prototypes, and even recording and summarizing meetings. As we embrace AI, it's crucial to let teams develop their own AI integration methods, build for the rapidly evolving AI landscape, and act swiftly to avoid falling behind. In the face of exponential change, one can only be too early or too late. Given the pace at which AI is evolving, it seems prudent to start adapting now, rather than risk being left behind.
🥷 More than Half of Global Generative AI Adopters Use Unapproved Tools at WorkContinuing on the trend of adopting AI, Salesforce's survey on the use of generative AI in the workplace reveals some thought-provoking trends and concerns. Here's a quick rundown:
🧮 ChatGPT Prompt FrameworksShelly Palmer's article focuses on how prompt crafting enhances AI interactions, ensuring more precise outcomes. Let’s break it down:
ℚ Amazon Q: Amazon has entered the (AI) chatAmazon's Adam Selipsky unveiled Amazon Q, an AI-powered assistant designed to enhance workplace productivity, at the AWS re:Invent conference.
Hopefully you know by now that I talk about creating content with generative AI. The images you see above were created with Midjourney (and a little Photoshop). If you want to try Midjourney but don't know where to start, I've created a simple how-to guide. Let me know what you think! HOW CAN I HELP YOU?
|
14 Grapevine Road, Merrimack, NH 03054 |
Marketing by Design – Design thinking that makes marketing work
I test the AI tools, design trends, and brand moves marketers are talking about, then tell you what holds up and what doesn’t. Written by the author of the bestselling The Visual Marketer, after 20+ years leading brand, creative, and digital experience marketing teams.
09 November 2026 | Issue #139 In this issue: Marketing is your starting pitcher MPB2B Design quote of the week Marketing is Your Starting Pitcher In baseball, the starting pitcher is the star. Fans pick the night they buy tickets around who is on the mound, and an ace can make a game must-see and nearly guarantee a win. Teams pay for it. In 2026, a pitcher was the highest-paid player on 12 of 30 MLB teams, and Zack Wheeler leads the way at $42M. Middle relievers carry the game to the closer,...
26 October 2026 | Issue #138 In this issue: Creativity is less important than consistency Amazing real-world video effects Design quote of the week Why Consistency Beats Creativity in B2B Branding Your audience isn’t nearly as familiar with your brand as you are. And that’s a problem when you’re constantly changing it. Years ago, I worked with a CMO who had a habit of explaining our solution story to the marketing team. Over and over again. He’d stand at a whiteboard or one of the glass walls...
11 October 2026 | Issue #137 In this issue: Avoid these AI design tropes Don't use Muse if you like privacy Design quote of the week I Know You Used AI for Your Design You already know the em dash is a dead giveaway of AI writing (sorry, Ann Handley). Design has its own tells, and there are a lot of them. None of them is wrong on its own. A good writer can use an em dash on purpose, and a good designer can use any pattern below on purpose. They become a tell when they show up because nobody...