Brainstorming and generating ideas

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• An example of brainstorming using Copilot

  Example prompt: Due to inflation, the cost of living has risen significantly leading to financial struggles for many people. What are some ways to help people relieve their economic problems within three-months?

  Part of Copilot's  response (01/02/2025)

  Here are some practical steps that can help alleviate economic problems within a short period: 1. Seek Emergency Financial Assistance Government Programs: Look into government assistance programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for help with basic necessities[1]. Nonprofit Organizations: Organizations like The Salvation Army offer emergency services, including rent, mortgage, and utility assistance[2]. 2. Budgeting and Financial Planning Create a Budget: Track your income and expenses to identify areas where you can cut back. Tools like budgeting apps or simple spreadsheets can be very helpful[3]. Set Financial Goals: Establish short-term goals, such as building an emergency fund or paying down debt, to stay focused and motivated[4]. 3. Cost-Saving Strategies Reduce Non-Essential Expenses: Cut back on non-essential spending like dining out, subscriptions, and entertainment[5]. Negotiate Bills: Contact service providers to negotiate lower rates on bills like internet, phone, and insurance[6]. Use Coupons and Discounts: Take advantage of coupons, discounts, and cashback offers to save on groceries and other essentials[5].  …… References [1] Need Emergency Financial Assistance? Here’s What to Do - GoFundMe .......

• Before utilising the output of AI tools, ask yourself:

  • Can AI tools provide a wide range of ideas? Are they capable of generating diverse and unbiased ideas?
  • Can AI tools understand empathy and the need to overcome problems that they are asked about? 
  • Where did the data used to generate the ideas come from? 
  • What do the AI companies gain from providing this service to me?
  • Am I hindering my learning by relying too much on technology? 
  • Am I missing out on opportunities for human interaction by relying solely on technology? 

• Where to get feedback on the ideas provided by AI Tools?

  • HELPS Drop-in support sessions provide an opportunity to ask for feedback.
  • Peer support programs such as U:PASS can be beneficial for learning how to brainstorm and generate ideas. 

• Copilot Prompt Gallery: learn how to use prompts

  The accuracy and relevance of AI-generated text is impacted by the type of prompts you use.

  Copilot prompts are instructions or questions you use to tell Copilot what you want. Prompts can include four parts:

  • Goal (what you want): "I want a list of 3-5 bullet points to prepare…"
  • Context (why you need it and who is involved): "…for an upcoming meeting with Sam..."
  • Expectations (how Copilot should respond): "Respond with a tone that's friendly and authoritative…"
  • Source (what information Copilot should use): "Use email and chats over the last two weeks."

  You can put a little or a lot into a prompt, but all that's required is a clear goal. If you want to be more specific, add the other parts.

  Microsoft has lots of example prompts that you can edit to make your own. Select a prompt and change it to suit your needs. Here's an example:

  Original prompt Create a script to explain [concept] to a [role/target audience], including an explanation of what it is, how it works, and a value proposition. Include 2 analogies to help explain it to someone new to this concept.

  Edited prompt Create a script to explain Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to a potential customer, including an explanation of what it is, how it works, and a value proposition. Include 2 analogies to help explain it to someone new to this concept.