Virtual Voices: Testing Business Ideas with Conversational Personas

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, companies are continually seeking innovative ways to test and refine their ideas. One intriguing approach that I have recently tested with ChatGPT is the use of virtual, conversational personas to simulate a diverse range of perspectives and spark dynamic discussions around product development.

Can virtual personas be a game-changing, low-cost tool for testing business ideas? What could be the  potential benefits and drawbacks of using AI-generated personas to moderate discussions and provide valuable insights into consumer behavior and preferences.

Virtual personas can offer a cost-effective and scalable method for understanding consumer behavior and preferences. By simulating a wide array of perspectives, these personas can help businesses quickly adapt to changing consumer preferences and stay ahead of the competition. Moreover, virtual personas have also to potential to speed up the testing process, generating insights quickly and efficiently. This allows businesses to iterate and refine their ideas in a shorter time frame, potentially leading to more successful product launches and better-informed decision-making.

However, it is essential to strike a balance between AI-driven insights and traditional test methods. Virtual personas should be seen as a valuable tool, but not a replacement for human expertise, creativity, and intuition. Maintaining this balance is crucial for understanding consumer behavior, managing change, and addressing the complexities of different industries.

Critics of virtual personas might raise concerns about their ability to fully capture the complexities of human behavior, social interactions, and organizational change. Relying solely on AI-generated personas may not account for the broader economic context and social implications when testing business ideas.

I believe that virtual, conversational personas can be a powerful low-cost tool for testing business ideas. When AI suggests a diverse set of personas and virtually moderates a discussion around a product description, it can greatly contribute to diversifying perspectives and generating valuable insights. However, it is crucial to strike a balance between AI-driven insights and human input to ensure a comprehensive understanding of consumer behavior and market dynamics.

Three Major Takeaways for Business Analysts:

1. Business analysts should recognize the value of integrating virtual personas into their research methodologies, utilizing their data-driven insights to complement traditional research methods.
2. Analysts should remain mindful of the limitations of virtual personas and ensure that human expertise, creativity, and intuition continue to play a role in the decision-making process.
3. Emphasizing the importance of striking a balance between AI-driven insights and human input will be crucial for businesses to succeed in the evolving market landscape.

Three Major Takeaways for Business Analysis Teachers:

1. Business Analysis teachers should integrate virtual personas into their course materials to demonstrate how they can be utilized for data-driven insights, while also emphasizing the importance of human expertise and traditional research methods.
2. Encourage students to engage in hands-on projects and case studies that explore the practical applications and limitations of virtual personas in various industries and business scenarios.
3. Stay informed about the latest advancements in AI and virtual persona technologies, adapting course content to ensure students are equipped with relevant and up-to-date knowledge.

Three Major Takeaways for Business Analysis Students:

1. Business Analysis students should strive to develop a strong understanding of virtual personas, recognizing their potential as well as their limitations in different business contexts.
2. Seek out opportunities to apply virtual personas in real-world projects and internships, gaining practical experience in using AI-generated personas alongside traditional research methods.
3. Develop a well-rounded skillset that includes both data-driven and qualitative analysis techniques, ensuring a comprehensive approach to business analysis in a world increasingly influenced by AI.

Three Major Takeaways for Start-up Coaches:

1. Start-up coaches should help entrepreneurs recognize the value of virtual personas in generating diverse perspectives and data-driven insights, guiding them on how to effectively incorporate these tools into their business testing process.
2. Encourage start-ups to balance the use of AI-generated personas with human intuition and expertise, ensuring a well-rounded approach to decision-making and product development.
3. Advise start-ups on the ethical implications and potential pitfalls of relying solely on virtual personas, promoting responsible and informed use of AI technologies in their businesses.

This post has been cowritten with ChatGPT. Please beware that AI is fascinating and can catch your full attention for hours. Get the balance right! > more?

The experiment: 

Please generate 5 divergent consumer personae for the Swiss high tech wearables market. Perspective 2030.

(ChatGPT-4)

1. Fitness Enthusiast Fabian:

Fabian is a 32-year-old professional living in Zurich who values health and fitness. He trains for marathons and is an active member of local sports clubs. Fabian seeks wearable technology that helps him monitor his physical performance and optimize his training, with features such as heart rate tracking, GPS navigation, and personalized coaching. He prefers sleek, durable designs and is willing to invest in high-quality products that integrate seamlessly with his daily routine.

2. Eco-conscious Elina:

Elina is a 45-year-old environmental activist living in Geneva. She is passionate about sustainability and prioritizes eco-friendly products. Elina is interested in wearables that are made from recycled or renewable materials and have a low environmental impact. She values transparency in the manufacturing process and seeks products with a clear focus on energy efficiency, minimal waste, and fair labor practices. Elina would be drawn to wearables that help her monitor her carbon footprint and support her eco-friendly lifestyle.

3. Health-focused Hanna:

Hanna is a 55-year-old retiree living in Bern who has recently been diagnosed with a chronic health condition. She is focused on improving her health and maintaining her independence through careful monitoring of her vitals and adherence to her treatment plan. Hanna is looking for wearables that are easy to use, with features like continuous health monitoring, reminders for medication, and emergency contact capabilities. She values data privacy and seeks products that are compatible with her healthcare providers' systems.

4. Trendsetting Tristan:

Tristan is a 28-year-old fashion-forward influencer living in Lausanne. He is always on the lookout for the latest trends and cutting-edge technology. Tristan seeks high-tech wearables that are not only functional but also make a bold fashion statement. He is drawn to innovative designs, customizable features, and products that allow for self-expression. Tristan would be interested in wearables that integrate with his social media presence and help him enhance his personal brand.

5. Globetrotting Gabriella:

Gabriella is a 38-year-old frequent traveler and entrepreneur based in Basel. She is always on the move, managing her business and exploring new destinations. Gabriella values wearables that help her stay organized, connected, and safe during her travels. She is interested in products with features such as multi-language support, contactless payment options, and location-based safety alerts. Gabriella prefers wearables that are versatile and adaptable to various environments and conditions, while still maintaining a sleek and professional appearance.

Our start-up company has made the next big breakthrough in artificial intelligence: we have developed a pair of lightweight, robust, yet elegant glasses with a sensor on the left that allows the wearer to operate ChatGPT with their bare thoughts. On the right side is a stimulator that makes the results of ChatGPT immediately accessible to the brain. We have developed a cool prototype that we now plan to test on different types of customers. First, please let the persona above tell us in turn how this product resonates with them. After that, please summarize the common and divergent viewsof the five personas. Finally, please write a promotional text with a catchy title for these unique glasses.

1. Fitness Enthusiast Fabian:

"I find the idea of thought-controlled AI glasses quite intriguing. This technology could definitely help me access real-time performance data and personalized coaching while I train, without the need for any physical interaction. It would be great if the glasses could also track my fitness metrics and offer route suggestions for my runs. I'm curious to see how these glasses perform and how comfortable they are to wear during my workouts."

2. Eco-conscious Elina:

"I'm interested in the thought-operated AI glasses, but I have concerns about their environmental impact. Before I consider using them, I would need more information on the materials used, the manufacturing process, and their energy efficiency. If these glasses were sustainably produced and supported eco-friendly features, such as monitoring my carbon footprint, I would be more inclined to try them."

3. Health-focused Hanna:

"The AI glasses could be a game-changer for managing my health condition. I appreciate the idea of accessing my health information and receiving reminders for medication through my thoughts alone. However, my main concerns are the data privacy and the compatibility with my healthcare providers' systems. If these issues are addressed, I would definitely be interested in trying out the glasses."

4. Trendsetting Tristan:

"I'm always on the lookout for innovative technology that makes a bold statement, and these AI glasses seem to fit the bill. I love the idea of being able to access ChatGPT and engage with my social media followers through my thoughts. I would be even more interested if there were customizable designs and features that allow me to express my personal style. Count me in for the testing!"

5. Globetrotting Gabriella:

"The thought-controlled AI glasses sound like a fantastic tool for a frequent traveler like me. Accessing information and staying connected without having to use my hands would be incredibly convenient. I would appreciate additional travel-focused features such as multi-language support, contactless payments, and location-based safety alerts. If the glasses prove to be versatile and adaptable, I'm eager to try them out."

Common and divergent views:

• All personas are intrigued by the thought-controlled AI glasses and see potential benefits in their respective areas of interest.
• Fitness Enthusiast Fabian and Trendsetting Tristan are the most enthusiastic about the idea and are eager to try the glasses.
• Eco-conscious Elina is concerned about the environmental impact of the glasses and would only consider using them if they are sustainably produced.
• Health-focused Hanna emphasizes data privacy and compatibility with healthcare providers' systems as her main concerns.
• Globetrotting Gabriella seeks additional travel-focused features to make the glasses more useful and versatile.

Promotional text:

Title: "Introducing MindLens: Unleash the Power of Your Thoughts"

Discover a new world of possibilities with MindLens, the revolutionary AI glasses that seamlessly connect you to ChatGPT using the power of your thoughts. Our lightweight, robust, and elegant design allows you to experience a truly hands-free, immersive connection to the digital world.

MindLens features a cutting-edge sensor that interprets your thoughts, while a discreet stimulator instantly transmits ChatGPT's responses directly to your brain. Stay ahead of the curve with our groundbreaking technology, whether you're managing your health, optimizing your fitness routine, expressing your unique style, or exploring the world.

Experience the future today with MindLens – the ultimate fusion of style, innovation, and convenience. Pre-order now and unlock your mind's full potential!