World Economic Forum February 2025
How 'Conscious Tinkering' can kickstart AI in your organizationHow to get started with AI when you don't have big budgets or technical teams
With Daniela Matielo.
Get your AI prototype fast
You want to test an idea for an AI app? I create your prototype within a few days. As the Co-Lead of the Ashoka AI Lab, I have been doing that dozens of times. (And not just prototypes.)
"If you want to use AI effectively and responsibly, you have to play with the technology. So stop talking and start prototyping!"Book a free intro call
Why work with me
You want to use AI but don't know where to start.
"Stop talking and start tinkering" is inspired by what we do at Ashoka. A World Economic Forum report calls our approach "Conscious Tinkering" and recommends it as one way to adopt AI within organizations.
You don't want to lose any more time.
We will develop your first AI prototype. Within days if you already know what you want, or within 8 weeks if we first have to identify a use case. With the Ashoka AI Lab, I have been doing this dozens of times. It's much easier than you think.
You heard about the risks and don't want to make mistakes.
We will start with AI applications that avoid the most common pitfalls: non-sensitive data, non-critical processes, and team-only access.
World Economic Forum June 2024
AI for Impact: The PRISM Framework for Responsible AI in Social InnovationNot co-authored; features 'Conscious Tinkering' and 'Proof of Value' approaches that I developed for Ashoka
Three-step process
1
Find your use case
Together we figure out where AI can actually help. We start with something simple that won't get you into trouble.
2
Build your prototype
I build it myself, or I coach your technical people. Either way, you get a working prototype within days, not months.
3
Learn and expand
Test with your team, gather feedback, and decide what's next. Improve what you have, or try something new.
Frequently Asked Questions
That works. If you have developers, I help them think through architecture and pick the right tools. If you have technically inclined people who aren't coders, I can guide them through automation platforms. And if nobody on your team is technical at all, I simply build the prototype myself.
Days if you already know what you want. Within 8 weeks if we first need to identify the right use case together.
We start with applications that avoid the most common pitfalls: non-sensitive data, non-critical processes, and team-only access.
No. The process is designed to fit alongside your regular work with minimal time commitment from your team.
You decide. Some prototypes become full applications. Others serve as learning experiences that inform your AI strategy. Both outcomes are valuable.
