The Generative AI Checklist: How to Get It Right Every Time
Most of us are struggling in practice to make sure our AI output is factually correct, original, pertinent, and ethical when wielding Generative AI. A checklist can help us bring clarity to this process.
Whether generating text, images, or creative insights, here is a Generative AI checklist to make sure you get stuff right each time.
1. Clearly Define the Objective
Next time you decide to type in a prompt, ask yourself: What am I trying to get out of this? A crystal-clear objective drives everything else. Are you writing an article, generating some creative ideas, or drafting a formal email? If you don't have a well-defined goal in mind, AI's responses will look impressive but perhaps won't serve the purpose.
Checklist Items:
Am I stating clearly what the purpose of my AI output is?
Does the intended audience and tone come across?
2. Write out an explicit prompt:
Generative AI is only as good as the instructions provided to it. Vague prompts beg vague results. Construct your prompts with as much specific detail as possible, including context, examples, and expected outcomes.
Checklist Items:
Is my prompt specific, detailed, unambiguous?
Have I provided relevant background information or context?
3. Check for Bias
Generative AI is trained on a large dataset that contains data exhibiting real-world bias. Outputs sometimes inadvertently may reinforce stereotypes or contain problematic assumptions. Stop and evaluate what the AI has generated, both to avoid the spread of harm and to ensure diverse perspectives.
Checklist Items:
Are there any biases or prejudicial stereotypes?
Am I using inclusive language and encouraging different perspectives?
4. Check the Facts
Generative AI is powerful but sometimes doesn't get the facts right, and it also can "confidently hallucinate" details that are plausible yet inaccurate. For factual information, always cross-check against credible sources.
Checklist Items:
Have I fact-checked key claims or key data?
Have I double-checked all names, places, dates, and statistics?
5. Edit and Refine for Quality
The output you get is mostly a starting point, not the final draft. Edit for clarity, conciseness, and impact. Sometimes AI-generated content can be repetitive or too wordy; focus your time to make it really shine.
Checklist Items:
Is there logical and smooth flow in this sequence?
Avoid repetition or using too much filler.
Is this text reflecting my personality and style?
6. Consider ethical implications
AI can be powerful, but with much power comes much responsibility. How could your content be used or interpreted? Consider the ethical dimensions of your output especially when you're tackling sensitive topics.
Checklist Items:
Can this output be used to harm or in an unethical way?
Have I ensured the output is ethical and respect privacy?
7. Optimize for Engagement
And lastly and finally, once you are happy with the content, let your content be engaging: If for an audience, is there a hook? Does it inspire curiosity or ignite a conversation?
Checklist Items:
Is it an attention getter at the beginning?
Have I asked questions or added elements to engage the reader?
Bringing It All Together
A checklist is what helps us to stop, reflect, and make conscious decisions instead of leaving it to luck. With Generative AI, one gets carried away with the novelty of what it produces-but without strict guidelines, we risk missing the mark.
This checklist allows you to make sure everything you create with AI is going to be impressive, purposeful, accurate, and impactful. Be it creating content, art, or writing a business proposal-the checklist will help you cut through considerable complexity into generative AI results that you are proud of.
Don’t forget - AI should complement your creativity, not replace it!
