TikTok ideation tool

TikTok, the short-form video platform, has, in its latest iteration, added the notion of ideation to its new Creative Assistance. That is, in TikTok's marketing jargon: 'Creative Assistance is an AI-powered virtual assistant designed to intelligently collaborate with brands and creators throughout their creative journey on TikTok  ... through never-ending ideation and brainstorm sessions'. As with generative AI in general, TikTok's Creative Assistance works through prompts input to generate or refine scripts and images. That is, creative prompts yield creative outputs. Creativity, however, in its deeper sense often requires a more open and explorative approach than AI algorithms can offer. That is, to use generative AI effectively, and ethically human involvement is needed at both the beginning and the end of the process involving not only prompting, editing and iteration but also curiosity and compassion. In other words, it is human creativity that is giving shape to AI systems, not the other way around. Yet AI is already embedded in everyday software and so, like all technology, what matters is how AI is put into practice.

Sketch, ideate, communicate

One of the main benefits of the sketch, and whether drawn on paper or e-tablet is that it gives full play to the imagination that is foundational to creativity. It captures the essence of the idea, helps clarify design intention both in the sketcher's own mind and that of their audience (colleagues, clients etc). Sketching, then, is a fast and efficient way of communicating first thoughts and ideas. And so sketching helps conceive, elucidate and articulate design ideas, and whenever there's a need to quickly "sort things out" in the design process. As a thinking tool, sketching encourages the freedom of simplicity and helps develop a sense of creative self. And the iterative nature of sketching, going backwards and forwards channels new thoughts and ideas. And although ideas are either endorsed, rejected or modified, in their sketchiness they are often adaptable to new, different or emergent contexts.

The Magician

On a lighthearted, and imaginative note, let's draw, interpret and reflect on a single Tarot card. And so, the Magician - a beautiful card signalling a magical, creative, inspiring times ahead. Make something! Design or invent something! Pitch an idea! People will listen to what you have to share, and they will love  your ideas. You will get the green light during this period if you make the proposal now. The Magician shows you stepping into your power, feeling like you’ve got talent and skill, and wanting to manifest something with it. You want to make a living based on what you’re uniquely good at. It’s time to shine! The Magician, then, like the ideator, is interested in new ways and finding solutions that are not yet imagined, as well as products not yet built. They are an idea-driven powerhouse, thriving on vision and intuition - a force for transformation and innovation through ideas.- everywhere, anytime.