Generative AI Utilization Shifts from 'Prompt Creation' to 'Workflow Design'

The mind-mapping tool 'MindMeister' (developed by MeisterLabs GmbH) has released insights indicating that business utilization of generative AI is entering a new phase. It proposes a '3-Step Thinking Framework' to help organizations use AI more effectively. This proposal was compiled by Aigamo Inc., the sole official partner responsible for comprehensive marketing and localization of MindMeister in the Japanese market.

Previously, AI utilization focused on 'what kind of prompt (instruction or question) to write.' However, going forward, it is believed that not only single queries or text generation, but also 'which tasks to delegate to AI' and 'what procedures to follow'—in other words, workflow design—will become crucial.

The foundation for this is 'thinking structuring' before making requests to AI. MindMeister proposes the following '3-Step Thinking Framework' for effective generative AI utilization.

Background: AI Use Evolves from 'Asking' to 'Delegating'

Generative AI has rapidly spread and become an everyday tool for many business professionals.

At the same time, the focus of AI utilization is gradually shifting. While the emphasis was previously on 'what to ask AI' and 'how to write prompts,' the current trend demands higher-level design capabilities—such as 'which tasks to assign to AI' and 'how to design human-AI collaboration.' To achieve this, the ability to organize and structure goals, conditions, and workflows is essential.

MindMeister's Proposal: Effective AI Use Begins with 'Thinking Structuring'

The quality of AI output heavily depends on the quality of input information. However, the issue lies not in the prompt itself, but in the stage before it.

- What do we aim to achieve? - What are the background conditions? - What constraints exist? - In what format do we expect the results?

If these elements are not clearly organized, instructions to AI will remain vague.

We believe that the process of visualizing and organizing this information is what ultimately determines the success of AI utilization.

The '3-Step Thinking Framework' for AI Utilization

- (1) Clarify the Objective - Define in one sentence what you want to request from AI and what outcome you expect - (2) List Prerequisites, Constraints, and Materials - Organize background information, conditions, target audience, and available data to prevent omissions - (3) Structure and Deliver to AI - Systematically organize the collected information and directly convert it into prompts or task instructions

Designing 'Tasks to Delegate to AI' Using Mind Mapping

With a mind map, place 'what you want to request from AI' at the center, and organize the following elements around it:

- Objective - Background/Prerequisites - Constraints - Desired deliverables

By visualizing these elements, it becomes easier not only to craft individual prompts but also to design entire workflows and role allocations. As AI adoption advances, the importance of 'designing tasks for AI' will grow alongside 'prompt writing skills.'

Organize the four elements—objective, background/prerequisites, constraints, and desired deliverables—around the central AI request.

"The widespread adoption of AI has raised awareness of the importance of prompt creation. However, moving forward, it's not just about 'how to ask,' but also 'what to delegate to AI' and 'how to design workflows.' We believe the starting point for this is structured thinking. We hope MindMeister can become a tool that supports thinking organization and workflow design in the AI era." (Representative, Official Japanese Partner of MindMeister)

About MindMeister

MindMeister is an online mind-mapping tool used by over 40 million people. It allows intuitive creation and sharing of mind maps directly in the browser, with real-time collaborative editing for teams. It is widely used for brainstorming, learning, project planning, and meeting organization.

https://mindmeister.jp/

About MeisterLabs GmbH

MeisterLabs GmbH is a software company founded in 2006, headquartered in Feldkirchen, Germany. It provides collaboration tools that enhance creativity and productivity, supporting individuals and teams worldwide. Its main products include the mind-mapping tool 'MindMeister' and the task management tool 'MeisterTask.'

https://www.mindmeister.com/

https://www.meistertask.com/

About Aigamo Inc.

The sole official partner for MindMeister in Japan. Aigamo Inc. comprehensively handles all aspects of localization, including marketing and content development for the Japanese market.