In this article, I share a 22 minute reflection on the process of creating a service design knowledge base using AI. In it I share the prototypes I’ve created, key lessons learned, and discuss future plans. You'll also find a summary of the video below.

The video

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Summary of the video

This summary was produced with Descript using the transcript of the video. I've reviewed it, adapted it and shortened it where necessary.

Why Build an AI Knowledge Base?

Over the years, I’ve written tons of content about service design, including books, templates, and courses. However, the more content I created, the more overwhelming it became to manage. That’s when I was inspired by AI demos that integrated books into AI, making it possible to ask questions to all my content in one place.

Key Points:

• Consolidates scattered content

• Eases access to numerous Q&As

• Valuable tool for personal use

• Enhances self-reflection and learning

• Bridges content gaps efficiently

Personal Benefits of an AI Knowledge Base

An AI knowledge base isn’t just beneficial for others; it significantly helps me too. As someone who has written extensively, there are times I forget specific details, but I remember the reflection and its usefulness.

Key Points:

• Useful for personal reflection

• Helps recall precise details

• Motivates continuous writing and learning

• Enhances content synthesis

• Supports ongoing exploration and curiosity

Why AI

My aim with this AI knowledge base isn’t to replace human interaction but to elevate it. The AI can aggregate and summarize my extensive content, making it easier for users to discover hidden insights.

Key Points:

• Not a replacement for human interaction

• Reveals hidden content insights

• Simplifies information discovery

• Encourages deeper exploration

• Stimulates new interactions and learning

Benefits of Building Your Own Knowledge Base

Creating your own knowledge base offers numerous advantages, from enhanced personal reflection to being a valuable resource for others. Here’s why you should consider building one:

Key Points:

• Enhances learning through teaching

• Stimulates ongoing curiosity

• Beneficial for others

• Personal archive of insights

• Improves memory retention

Adding AI to Your Knowledge Base

Integrating AI into your knowledge base can be a game-changer. Many AI tools on the market are expensive and complex, but building your own AI tools showcases the simplicity and effectiveness, along with the following benefits:

Key Points:

• Offers critical insights into AI tools

• Consolidates diverse content

• Produces useful summaries

• Creates a robust custom tool

• Benefits others while minimizing costs

Prototype 1: SiteGPT and Podia

My first prototype utilized SiteGPT and Podia, but it encountered several issues:

Key Points:

• High pricing

• Manual content addition

• Limited automation

• Useful for small-scale prototypes

• Unsustainable for long-term use

Prototype 2: Intercom and Fin

Transitioning to Intercom and Fin provided some improvements, but it still had drawbacks:

Key Points:

• Effective user interface

• Simple navigation

• Hidden AI chatbot

• Pushy sales tactics from Intercom

• High costs

Prototype 3: Podia, GPT and Custom Google Search

I'm still prototyping the next version that will be made with ChatGPT GPT feature, a custom Google Search and Podia.

Key Points:

• Prototyping with Podia, ChatGPT, and Google search

• Emphasizing ease of use

• Reducing costs

• Continuously learning and evolving

Summary

By creating your own knowledge base, you'll enhance your personal growth and facilitate a deeper understanding of your expertise. So, I encourage you to embark on this journey and explore the wonders of AI-assisted knowledge management.