Configuring the Smart Action feature

What is it? 

ITONICS offers Smart Actions leveraging artificial intelligence (AI). The following steps describe how to set up the feature and enable it for usage in dedicated entity types. Utilize the Smart Action/Creation feature to automatically craft strong descriptions, tags, profile images, and entire (child/idea) elements.

How does it work?

In order to activate the Smart Action feature on an entity type, navigate to Settings Wheel > Entity Configuration > Entity Manager and select the desired entity type. Within the entity type, you will now see a module/feature card called Smart Action.

Activate the module on the entity by selecting the checkbox and saving the configuration. After initial activation, the Smart Actions feature will become available for permitted users.

Setting permissions

The permissions controlling the access to the autofill and autocreate features of the Smart Action module can be set from the permission configuration of the respective entity. This allows defining which user role(s) are allowed to access the autofill feature, respectively the autocreate feature of the underlying entity type.

Be aware that to be able to create an element with AI, e.g. in this case a Technology element, the user also requires the actual create permission for the particular entity type. Furthermore, in the case that the Description or Tags field is placed in a confidential tab, the system will ensure that users not included in the confidentiality will not have access to the respective autofill functionality.

Enabling Smart Actions for Ideation

Besides regular entity types, i.e. trend, Technology, you can enable the Smart Actions for Ideation, respectively the Campaign entity type. Simply navigate to Settings Wheel > Entity Configuration > Entity Manager and activate the module card for the Campaign entity type. Afterward, the Autofill Element option during Campaign creation as well as the Smart Actions on the underlying Submission entity type will become available. Refer to the linked articles for more information on utilizing Smart Actions in Ideation.

Enabling autocreation of child elements for a parent element

Similarly to the Ideation use case, allowing to autocreate ideas/submissions as child elements of a Campaign (parent entity), you may enable the Smart Action module in a regular child entity type. Again, navigate to Settings Wheel > Entity Configuration > Entity Manager and activate the module card for the child entity type.

Doing so will allow the autocreation of elements of the respective child entity for an underlying parent element. A concrete example would be a Trend (Parent) and Inspirations (Child) setup, using Smart Creation to autocreate Inspirations leveraging AI for a specific Trend.

For further information on the concrete usage of the Smart Actions, please refer to the subsequent articles:

1. Use Smart Actions to autofill and autocreate elements
2. Smart Creation in Ideation
   • Using the Smart Creation feature to create a campaign
   • Autocreate ideas using the Smart Creation feature

Smart Action templates

The following storytelling tactic/tecchnique templates are available for selection to autofill the Description.

1. Conflict and resolution
   • A classic storytelling structure where a central conflict arises, creating tension and engagement, followed by a resolution that provides closure and meaning. It keeps audiences invested by showcasing struggles and solutions.
     • Introduce a Compelling Conflict – Establish a challenge, obstacle, or tension that needs resolution.
     • Build Tension and Stakes – Make the audience emotionally invested by increasing difficulty or urgency.
     • Provide a Resolution – Deliver a satisfying conclusion that resolves the conflict and conveys a key message.
     • Ensure Growth or Change – The resolution should reflect transformation, insight, or progress.
2. The hero's journey
   • A narrative archetype where a protagonist embarks on an adventure, faces trials, receives guidance, undergoes transformation, and returns home changed.
     • Call to Adventure – The protagonist is drawn into a challenge or unknown world.
     • Face Trials and Transformation – Encounters with mentors, obstacles, and growth moments shape the hero.
     • Climax and Revelation – The hero overcomes a major challenge, gaining wisdom or power.
     • Return Changed – The hero brings new knowledge or skills back to their original world, completing the journey.
     • Follow a Relatable Arc – The journey reflects universal themes of growth, struggle, and triumph.
3. The golden circle (why, how, what)
   • A storytelling framework by Simon Sinek that helps organizations communicate with purpose by starting with why they exist before explaining how and what they do, helping to create compelling, purpose-driven narratives.
     • Why – The core belief or mission that drives you.
     • How – The unique approach or values that differentiate you.
     • What – The product or service you deliver.
4. In media res
   • A technique where a story begins in the middle of the action rather than at the beginning, immediately immersing the audience and creating intrigue before later filling in the backstory.
     • Drop the Audience Into Action – Start at a high-stakes or intriguing moment to capture attention.
     • Provide Context Later – Use flashbacks, dialogue, or exposition to fill in necessary background details.
     • Maintain Narrative Momentum – Keep the story engaging by balancing action with explanation.
     • Create Immediate Engagement – Make the audience curious about how events unfolded.
5. Campaign Canvas (in ideation case)
   • Describing a Chief Innovation Officer launching a new ideation campaign,
     • addressing a target audience,
     • the description incl. a welcome statement, stakeholders & audience,
     • how to participate,
     • providing guiding questions that help idea submitters to understand what is expected,
     • as well as a short and engaging closing statement, overall friendly and engaging.
6. Default
   • Not utilizing a storytelling technique

In the ideation use case, for the autofilling of the description of submissions, the following creativity technique templates, and persona selections are provided:

1. TRIZ (Theory of inventive problem-solving)
   • A structured problem-solving framework that uses 40 principles derived from analyzing patterns in global patents. It encourages inventive solutions by resolving contradictions in systems.
2. Journey mapping
   • A visual representation of the user's experience with a product or service, showing pain points and opportunities along each step. Useful for empathy, innovation, and improving user satisfaction.
3. SCAMPER
   • A checklist-based method to improve or innovate ideas by applying 7 prompts: Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, and Reverse. It pushes creative thinking through systematic questioning.
4. Brainstorming
   • A group idea-generation technique where participants share spontaneous ideas without judgment. Quantity is prioritized over quality to spark creativity and uncover unexpected solutions.
5. Headstand (reverse thinking)
   • A technique where you flip the problem on its head — instead of asking "How can we solve X?" you ask "How can we cause X?" This reversal often leads to creative solutions by highlighting overlooked angles.
6. 6-thinking hats
   • A method developed by Edward de Bono to look at problems from six distinct perspectives (hats): logic (white), emotions (red), caution (black), optimism (yellow), creativity (green), and process (blue). It helps teams explore ideas more thoroughly and reduce conflict.
7. Personas
   • Albert Einstein
   • Warren Buffet
   • Elon Musk
   • Barack Obama
   • Oprah Winfrey