Escape Velocity from Planet Average

2024-01-12 · Source: Liberty’s Highlights · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Emerging Technologies & Innovation · Depth: Intermediate, long

Summary

The article, "Escape Velocity from Planet Average," argues that "taste"—defined as the ability to notice meaningful differences, choose among alternatives, and reject unsuitable options—is becoming the paramount differentiator in an AI-driven world. Historically, industrialization and the internet amplified taste's influence and reach, but also introduced organizational dilution, leading to "design by committee." AI, conversely, offers a new form of amplification by increasing the fidelity between a creator's vision and the final product, reducing the need for numerous intermediaries. However, this also risks "design by model consensus," where AI's tendency to average outputs can lead to widespread mediocrity, as seen in similar-looking startup websites or quickly uninteresting Midjourney images. The author posits that as execution becomes commoditized, discerning judgment is the new scarce resource, and taste can be cultivated through deliberate consumption of diverse, high-quality inputs, deep analytical attention, consistent exercise of judgment, and seeking real-world feedback.

Key takeaway

For AI Product Managers and Product Designers aiming to differentiate in a market saturated with AI-generated outputs, your unique taste and judgment are now your most critical assets. Avoid the trap of "design by model consensus" by actively steering AI tools with strong opinions and a cultivated aesthetic. Invest in consciously training your taste through diverse inputs and critical analysis, as this discerning filter will be key to creating products that stand out and capture value beyond mere technical competence.

Key insights

As AI commoditizes execution, refined taste and discerning judgment become the ultimate differentiators for impactful creation.

Principles

• Taste directs skill, filtering creative output.
• Technology amplifies taste's influence and reach.
• Judgment differentiates as execution becomes abundant.

Method

Cultivate taste recursively by improving inputs, deepening attention, frequently exercising judgment, and integrating real-world feedback to refine discernment.

In practice

• Consume diverse, high-quality creative works intentionally.
• Exercise judgment by making, iterating, and seeking feedback.

Topics

• Taste
• AI Product Design
• Creative Differentiation
• Judgment Training
• Organizational Dilution

Best for: Product Manager, Entrepreneur, AI Product Manager, Product Designer

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Liberty’s Highlights.