Shiny Object Syndrome, Avoided
There’s no shortage of “game-changing” AI tools promising to 10x your productivity.
We’ve trialed dozens—some brilliant, some underwhelming, many completely impractical.
Here’s what we learned:
Fewer tools, well-integrated, are better than chasing every trend.
Below are the five AI tools that stuck—and why we keep them in our stack.
Our Current Stack:
These are the tools we use almost daily across projects:
ChatGPT
- Drafts content outlines and first-pass scripts
- Generates prompts for scenarios and quizzes
- Helps us adapt SME input into learner-friendly language
- Why it works: Flexible, fast, surprisingly good at tone adaptation
ElevenLabs
- Creates natural-sounding voiceovers for prototypes and internal reviews
- Speeds up approvals by letting clients “hear” content early
- Why it works: Voices are clear and realistic enough to test pacing before the studio recording
Runway
- Generates quick placeholder visuals for storyboards and UI wireframes
- Saves time searching for “good enough” stock
- Why it works: Faster than digging through asset libraries
Gamma
- Produces draft pitch decks, process flows, and conceptual slides
- Cuts early-stage design time in half
- Why it works: Great for clarity before the design team polishes
TLDV
- Summarizes SME calls
- Automatically tags actions and extracts tasks
- Why it works: No more sifting through hour-long recordings to find the one golden nugget
Why We Stick to These (and Skip the Rest)
With every tool, we ask three questions:
Does it have a low learning curve?
If it takes a week to learn, it’s too slow.
Does it integrate into our flow?
We don’t want extra logins and disconnected exports.
Does it improve speed without lowering quality?
Nothing matters if the output isn’t good enough to use.
These five check every box.
No hype. Just helpful.
Smart Tools, Sane Workflows
AI can be a superpower—or a distraction.
The trick is picking tools that:
- Speed up the boring bits
- Keep humans in control
- Deliver work that still feels authentic
Let’s Use AI Where It Counts
Qquench combines these AI helpers with:
- Real instructional design
- Purposeful branding
- Human-centered UX
Because technology is only as good as the people who guide it.
Qquench: Smart workflows. Thoughtful design. Zero gimmicks.
#AITools #DesignTech #NoMoreShinyObjects #SmarterWorkflow #BuiltByQquench
Tried any AI tools that actually stuck? Share your top pick—we’re always curious (but skeptical).
