The fountain effect in AI: how to master the information overload at work with an “AI assistant”

A: Introduction: The problem of information overload

Working with an AI-supported assistant, such as an “AI-TP-Assistant” or, for example, an “AI-Consult-Assistant”, brings enormous advantages: quick access to knowledge, structured analyses and creative food for thought.

But this wealth of information poses a central challenge – the so-called fountain effect.

Information spills out uncontrollably in all directions, leading to a loss of focus and the original objective. Particularly in demanding projects such as business plan development or restructuring projects, users can quickly become overwhelmed by the flood of details.

So the key question is: how do you stay on course with an AI-Assistant and utilize its potential without losing control?

B: The solution: A conscious and iterative work process

The challenge of the fountain effect can be solved through a structured and consciously controlled work process that optimizes the collaboration between man and machine. It is crucial that humans always retain control over the AI-Assistant and make targeted use of its potential without losing focus.

The 3Q-Approach provides a clear guideline for this. This model integrates different forms of intelligence to ensure a balance between human and AI support. It is based on the following forms of human intelligence:

1. Quantum Intelligence (QI):

The creative, intuitive and empathetic intelligence that combines innovative thinking with the ability to consider the human dimension and the needs of the target group.

2. Rational Intelligence (RI):

The analytical, logical intelligence that brings structure and clarity to complex processes and enables well-founded decisions.

In addition, artificial intelligence (AI) extends these human forms of intelligence by providing data-driven pattern recognition, automated processes and structured analyses. AI does not serve as a replacement, but as a supporting force that complements human capabilities. By taking over repetitive and data-intensive tasks, AI enables humans to focus more on creative and strategic decisions.

This combination of QI, RI and AI forms the basis of the 3Q-Approach. It makes it possible to combine the strengths of human intelligence with the technological capabilities of AI and create a symbiotic collaboration between man and machine.

The human being remains the central actor who controls the AI-Assistant and reflects on its results to ensure that the original goals always remain in focus.

Additional challenge for team-led AI assistants

Working with team-led AI assistants, where several team members access the AI simultaneously or share its results, brings an additional layer of complexity:

• • Inconsistent control: Different questions and priorities of the team members can lead to contradictory results. This can dilute the focus of the AI assistant and increase the fountain effect.
  • Coordination effort: Clear agreements and central control mechanisms are required to ensure that the AI-Assistant works efficiently and purposefully.
  • Loss of human control: Without coordinated guidance, the AI assistant can become a source of information that creates more confusion than clarity, especially if team members have different expectations.

To overcome this problem, it is important that teams develop a joint strategy for the use of the AI-Assistant:

• • Define clear responsibilities for the management and use of AI.
  • Set uniform goals and priorities to ensure a coherent focus.
  • Create mechanisms for quality assurance, e.g. through central reflection phases and regular feedback loops.

As part of the 3Q-Approach, people decide to use their QI and RI forms of intelligence consciously and holistically in order to control and coordinate the use of AI in team structures in a targeted manner. In this way, the full potential of man, machine and team can be exploited to achieve innovative and targeted results.

C: Strategy: Iterative process with the AI-Assistant

A clearly structured, iterative workflow is crucial in order to use the AI-Assistant productively and avoid the fountain effect.

The process comprises the following steps:

1. AI-supported analysis and exploration

Goal: Generate ideas, perspectives and structured approaches using the AI Assistant.

• • Formulate precise questions to obtain relevant answers.
  • Use the AI Assistant to create an initial catalog of ideas or a draft.
  • Capture all results without evaluating them immediately.

2. Pause and reflect (without AI assistant)

Goal: Regain control and critically evaluate results.

• • Pause the use of the AI-Assistant and reflect on the information generated using QI and RI.
  • Identify relevant insights and filter out irrelevant details.
  • Supplement the results with your expertise and intuition.

3. Readjustment of the AI-Assistants

Goal: Realign the AI-Assistant based on the reflection results.

• • Clarify the questions and adjust the objectives.
  • Use the insights gained to start the next analysis phase with the AI-Assistant.
  • Focus the assistant’s work on specific tasks.

4. External documentation and iteration

Goal: To ensure transparency and long-term traceability.

• • Document all intermediate steps, reflection results and progress externally (e.g. in a tool like Notion or a project management document).
  • Use the documentation to make future iterations more effective.
  • Bring in external experts if necessary to minimize bias and ensure quality.

5. Repeating the cycles

Goal: Progress through step-by-step optimization.

• • Repeat the switch between AI-supported work and reflection until the desired result is achieved.
  • Make sure the process stays focused through regular checks and goal adjustments.

Conclusion: The balance between humans and AI-Assistants

• • The fountain effect caused by information overload is a natural challenge when working with AI-Assistants.
  • o But through an iterative approach and the conscious use of the 3Q-Approach, you can control the flow of information and use the full potential of AI without losing control.
  • The conscious interaction between the creative, intuitive dimension (QI) and the analytical, logical structure (RI) creates a way of working that is both efficient and goal-oriented.
  • With a clear process that includes regular reflection and readjustment of the AI-Assistant, you can not only tame the fountain effect, but also achieve sustainable results.

This makes the AI-Assistant a valuable partner that supports you on your journey without diluting your focus or objectives.

Feel free to share your thoughts, experiences or questions in the comments – I look forward to an inspiring exchange and to discovering new perspectives together