OUTPUT – Adventures in AI

TEXT
Plain or styled words are the simplest but often the most useful AI output. They might be answers to a question, a headline for an article, proofread versions of your writing, or a brainstormed list of ideas. It covers everything from quick fixes to polished copy.

Question to reflect on: What do you wish you could create or improve — whether it’s solving problems, sharing ideas, or drafting documents?

STRUCTURED TEXT
Sometimes the value is not just in the words but in their format. AI can produce text arranged for use in other tools, such as XML for spreadsheets, CSV for contact lists, or OPML for mindmaps. This kind of output is ready-made for analysis, sharing, or integration.

Question to reflect on: Could transforming your data into a structured format like a CSV help you organise, share, or analyse information more effectively?

IMAGE
AI can generate or adapt visuals: logos, infographics, charts, or edited photos. It’s about moving beyond words to communicate in ways that are clearer, more persuasive, or more engaging. A picture can summarise complex ideas at a glance or add style and impact to your work.

Question to reflect on: What kinds of images do you use or need in your work — like logos, diagrams, or product photos — that could be either created or modified?

FILE
Sometimes the required output is a document you can download and pass straight on. That might be a Word file, a PDF report, a PowerPoint deck, or a Markdown blog post. These are packaged deliverables that fit seamlessly into your normal tools and workflows.

Question to reflect on: What documents could you create or update — such as reports, presentations, or contracts?

CODE
Code is about teaching software new tricks. AI can produce snippets such as newsletter code, Excel formulas, or VBA macros to automate repetitive steps. Even if you’re not a developer, think of it as small, reusable instructions that cut time and reduce errors in daily work.

Question to reflect on: Are there repetitive tasks you could automate — like generating reports or cleaning data? How could small scripts or formulas help you?

AUDIO
Outputs don’t have to be visual — they can be sound. AI can generate a podcast intro, narrate a script, or provide background music. Audio adds a human touch, accessibility, and atmosphere, especially when you want to enrich presentations, learning, or marketing without needing a recording studio.

Question to reflect on: What audio content, such as voiceovers, synthesised speech, or sound effects, could help enhance your work?

VIDEO
Video combines images, sound, and motion into engaging stories. AI can generate or edit explainer animations, promotional clips, or training material. It’s especially useful when your message benefits from action and flow rather than stills or words alone.

Question to reflect on: What types of videos — like promotional clips, instructional content, or animated explainers — would help you communicate your message?

INTERACTIVE OUTPUT
Some outputs invite use, not just viewing — for instance, quizzes, calculators, chatbots, or simulations. They transform the AI’s result into an active experience where people can explore ideas, test knowledge, or receive tailored responses.

MIXED / MULTIMODAL OUTPUT
Often a real deliverable is a bundle: a report with text, charts, and images; or a training pack with slides, exercises, and video. AI can generate such mixed packages, bringing different formats together in one coherent set.

PHYSICAL OUTPUT (DIGITAL DESIGN)
AI can produce designs for things that end up physical: a 3D-printed prototype, a floor plan, or packaging artwork. The output is digital, but its purpose is to guide production in the real world.