Four tips to integrate generative AI into your everyday life
Introduction
Two months ago, I participated in the NASA Space Apps Challenge — a global hackathon that brings together designers, coders, scientists, and innovators to tackle Earth and space challenges. For many participants, these events are about showcasing their skills and making connections. For me, it became an opportunity to discover just how much AI could extend my capabilities and boost my confidence.
Our team was building ClimateAware, an AI chatbot that helps users understand complex climate data. Instead of relying on an expert, users could access simple, actionable steps to reduce their energy consumption, minimize waste, and adopt sustainable practices. My role as the group’s designer initially seemed confined to crafting the interface, but as the project progressed, it became clear we also needed frontend development and API integration — a skill my teammates lacked.
That’s when I leaned on generative AI. With my basic knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, I used tools like ChatGPT and Claude AI to fill the gaps. They helped me understand API documentation, troubleshoot code, and implement features like a weather widget that displayed real-time conditions. The process wasn’t always smooth, but it worked, and we delivered a functional prototype.
This experience wasn’t just about completing a project — it was a lesson in the practical value of AI. It’s more than a tool for solving technical problems; it’s a partner in creativity, productivity, and learning.
Generative AI isn’t just for high-pressure events like hackathons; it’s equally valuable for everyday tasks. Whether I’m designing logos, refining website copy, or brainstorming new ideas, AI tools have seamlessly integrated into my workflow. These tools help me focus on what truly matters by taking the heavy lifting out of repetitive or technical tasks. Heck, ChatGPT even doubles as my wingman when texting my crush — checking for grammar errors and suggesting witty puns and double entendres. Anything to improve my chances, yunno!
If you’re curious about integrating generative AI into your daily routine, it’s simpler than you think. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Make generative AI easy to access
There are tons of generative AI options available, from ChatGPT (the most popular) to Gemini by Google, Claude by Anthropic, and Perplexity — the list continues. You can pick from any of these, and if you own an Android phone or one of the latest iPhone models, you have Gemini or Apple Intelligence preloaded into your operating system respectively. If you fancy other options, you can visit your application store and have it downloaded. If you’re like me and you work with your PC 18 out of 24 hours, you can also have it downloaded and readily accessible.
Remember there’s possibly an AI for everything
There’s an AI for almost everything these days. Whenever I’m stuck in a repetitive cycle, I pause and wonder — could AI handle this? More often than not, the answer is yes. For instance, when I need to transcribe and organise long meetings, Otter.ai steps in to record, transcribe, and neatly organise the content for me. It’s these small but impactful wins that remind me to lean on AI when I need an extra hand.
Be curious and ask more questions
Information is more accessible than ever, and you don’t have to spend hours scouring endless web pages to find what you need. With AI, your answers are just an ask away. Want sources to back up your findings? AI can provide those too. This is the perfect time to be curious and ask more questions because the tools to get quick and reliable answers are right at your fingertips. And the best part? You don’t need to stress over it — AI does the hard work for you.
Explore different platforms to see what works best for you
If you’re not satisfied with one, feel free to try another and another, and another. Each platform brings something unique to the table, and you might be surprised at how they can complement each other. For instance, I often use ChatGPT for brainstorming and Claude.ai for coding-related challenges. Why settle for just one when you can mix and match tools that work best for you?
Conclusion
Generative AI is not just a trend; it’s a game-changing tool that’s reshaping how we approach work and creativity. Whether you’re looking to streamline repetitive tasks, organise complex information, or brainstorm your next big idea, AI tools are here to help. The best part? They’re more accessible than ever, with platforms to fit every need and preference.
So, why not explore the options available to you? Start small — maybe with an AI that tackles your least favourite task — and see how it transforms your workflow. With the right mix of tools, you’ll find yourself saving time, unlocking new ideas, and working smarter than ever before. AI isn’t just for tech enthusiasts or big businesses; it’s for everyone ready to embrace innovation and make life a little easier.
