1. The AI Hype Trap
AI adoption is booming — but most organisations still approach it like a tech install, not a business transformation. According to MIT Sloan, over 70% of digital transformation efforts fall short — and AI is no exception.
The truth? AI strategy fails when it lacks product thinking. It becomes a solution in search of a problem, without clarity on user value, experimentation, or long-term integration.
In this article, I’ll explore:
- Why traditional AI initiatives struggle
- How a product mindset can reshape AI transformation
- A practical framework to apply today
2. The Problem: Tech-First Thinking
2.1 Many AI initiatives start like this:
Leadership hears about ChatGPT, gets excited
- A vendor or pilot project is commissioned
- A chatbot or prediction engine is built…
- And 6 months later, the team moves on. Nothing sticks!
2.2 What's Missing?
- No clear product owner
- No user validation or iteration
- No strategic goal beyond “we should do AI”
3. The Shift: Bringing Product Thinking Into AI Strategy
Product thinking is about solving real problems for real users — not shipping code or models for the sake of it. In AI transformation, it means:
Problem Framing
What core decision or behaviour should AI support?
User-Centricity
Who interacts with AI? Where's the UX?
Iterative Delivery
Can we test, learn, and refine the model over time?
Business Value
Is this aligned with customer or ops KPIs?
4. A Simple Framework: AI Strategy Layered Model
Want to avoid the pilot graveyard?
4.1 Start with this 4-layer approach:
- Purpose Layer:
- Align AI with business OKRs
- Define value for customers & ops
- People Layer:
- Identify stakeholders & decision makers
- Map user needs and change impact
- Product Layer:
- Frame the AI use case as a product
- Assign a Product Owner or Strategy Lead
- Platform Layer:
- Select technology stack, data pipelines, and ethics guardrails
- Plan for scaling & governance
TL;DR – How to Make Your AI Strategy Stick
- Don’t just “do AI” — define product outcomes.
- Assign product-minded leads, not just data scientists.
- Build governance, UX, and iteration into your roadmap.
Let's Talk Strategy
I’m currently working at the intersection of AI, UX, and product leadership, helping organisations make responsible, high-impact tech decisions. If you’re navigating an AI transformation or planning one — get in touch or follow the blog for more insights:
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Originally published at nuno.digital. Follow me on LinkedIn for more insights on AI strategy and innovation.
