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Map Your Workflow

45 minutesExperiencedBest for: People who use AI most days and have a real project in mind

What You'll Do

In class I showed the steps I used to build the survey for this class and turn your answers into these tasks. People who get the most out of AI don't usually do it with one perfect prompt. They break a goal into steps and decide where AI fits. In this task you'll do the same for one of your own projects, correct the plan with what you know, and then do step 1.

1Pick a project you actually want to get done in the next month or two

Examples: - A daily news podcast for your commute - Finding new customers or vendors for an event or business - A website for your music, art, or business - A diet and exercise helper that keeps you on track - Planning a big home or garden project

2Open a new chat with the biggest model you have

(see Task 2 if you're not sure how).

3Copy and paste the starter prompt below, fill in your project, and send it

4Answer the interview questions

One at a time, in plain sentences. "Not sure" is a fine answer.

5Push back with your expertise

The first plan will be generic. This step is where it gets good. Use the follow-up prompts below.

6Do step 1 for real, with AI's help

7Save your plan somewhere you'll find it again

Starter Prompt

Fill in your project, then copy and paste:
I want to use AI to help with a bigger project, and I want a plan before I start. My project: [describe it in a sentence or two] First, interview me. Ask me one question at a time, up to 6 questions, about my goal, what I've already tried, what tools I use, and what "done" looks like. Then break the project into 5-8 steps. Label each step: - AI can do this - AI can help, but I decide - This needs me Keep it realistic for someone with a regular AI subscription and no coding.

Push Back With Your Expertise

Once you have a plan, try these:

Push Back 1

Fill in the brackets, then copy and paste:
Here's what you got wrong about my situation: [explain]. Update the plan.

Push Back 2

Prompt - Copy and paste this:
What am I missing? What could go wrong with this plan?

Push Back 3

Prompt - Copy and paste this:
Which step should I do first, and why?

Then Start Step 1

Prompt - Copy and paste this:
Let's do step 1 together. Walk me through it.

What to Expect

  • •The AI will ask about 6 questions, then give you a plan with each step labeled.
  • •The first plan will sound reasonable but generic. It gets better every time you correct it.
  • •Some steps labeled "AI can do this" might be ones you'd rather do yourself. You decide.
  • •You probably won't finish the project today. Leaving with a plan you trust and step 1 done is a great result.

Tips

  • •Be specific about your limits: time, budget, and the tools you already use.
  • •Too many steps? Ask it to combine them into no more than 8.
  • •If it suggests a tool you don't know, ask "What is that, and is there a free version?"
  • •Know what you're sharing. For work projects, use made-up names and numbers if your workplace has rules about AI.

Go Further: Connect AI to One Tool

Look at your plan. Is there a step that could happen inside a tool you already use, like your calendar, email, or files? Tools like Claude Cowork and ChatGPT Codex can work inside other apps for you. Before you try one: - Start with something that isn't sensitive, like a test folder, not your whole computer. - Read what it's asking permission to do before you say yes. - Know how to turn it off or disconnect it.

Saving Your Work

Copy your final plan into a note or document. Bring it to the Oct 19 class and share what step 2 looks like.

General Tips for All Tasks

Saving Your Conversation (All Tasks):

  • •If you're signed in to your account, your chats are saved automatically and show up in the history list (usually along the left side of the screen). You can come back to them any time.
  • •ChatGPT: Your chat appears in the left sidebar. Click the three dots next to a chat to rename it or share it.
  • •Claude: Your chat appears under your recent chats in the left sidebar. Click the chat's title at the top to rename it.
  • •Gemini: Your chat appears in the left menu under recent chats. Click the three dots next to a chat to rename or pin it.
  • •Used a Temporary or Incognito chat? Those aren't saved. Copy anything you want to keep before you close it.
  • •Not signed in? The chat may disappear when you close the page. Copy what you want to keep and paste it into a document before you leave.
  • •Remember: if you share a chat, anyone with the link can read the whole conversation.

Getting Unstuck:

  • •If AI gives you an unhelpful response, try rephrasing your question
  • •Add more details or context
  • •Ask it to try again with specific changes

Technical Issues:

  • •If the AI tool isn't loading, try refreshing the page or switching to a different tool
  • •Make sure you're connected to wifi
  • •Ask Connor for help! Working from home? Email hello@connormulvaney.com

Remember:

  • •There's no "wrong" way to do this
  • •Experimentation is encouraged
  • •You can switch tasks if you want to try something different
  • •AI makes mistakes. Keep your baloney detector on

What to Bring Next Week (Optional)

Next class is Monday, Oct 19, and Loga is running it while I'm out of town. There's no class Oct 26. I'll see you Nov 2.

  • •Something AI got wrong, and how you caught it (Task 1)
  • •Which model you'd use for what (Task 2)
  • •Your plan and what step 2 looks like (Task 3)
  • •Questions about AI that came up while you were experimenting
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