{"id":365,"date":"2025-06-22T22:41:12","date_gmt":"2025-06-22T21:41:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/anapoly.co.uk\/labs\/?page_id=365"},"modified":"2025-08-09T12:17:20","modified_gmt":"2025-08-09T11:17:20","slug":"conceptual-framework","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/anapoly.co.uk\/labs\/conceptual-framework\/","title":{"rendered":"Conceptual Framework for Anapoly AI Labs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conceptual Framework for Anapoly AI Labs&nbsp;<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-text-annotation is-style-text-annotation--1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/anapoly.co.uk\/labs\/transparency-framework\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"319\">transparency label: AI-assisted<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Note: This document is an early draft, currently under review. Some of the terminology, in particular, is under debate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Our stance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We don\u2019t claim to be AI experts. We\u2019re practitioners exploring AI in real problems faced by professionals like us. We\u2019re testing, documenting, and improving \u2013 in public. That\u2019s our value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The offer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>How does Anapoly&#8217;s hands-on approach help me understand AI better in my work?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Anapoly\u2019s hands-on approach helps you understand AI better in your work by letting you actually try out AI tools on real tasks that matter to you, instead of just reading about them or watching demos. This practical experience shows you what AI can and can\u2019t do in your daily work, making it easier to see how it fits into your routine and where it can save you time or improve your results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You get to experiment in a safe, informal setting, learn from real examples, and see both successes and mistakes. This helps you build real confidence with AI instead of just theory, and makes it much easier to spot where AI could help you most in your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"core-definition\"><strong>Core definition<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>An Anapoly lab is a simulated working environment set up to test how AI tools perform in real-world tasks. Labs don\u2019t teach AI, they reveal its behaviour through use. The purpose is not just to explore what AI can do, but also to help participants build the confidence and judgment needed to use it well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Labs enable:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Acclimatisation<\/strong> \u2013 first exposure, orientation, and familiarisation with AI tools and language<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Experimentation<\/strong> \u2013 practical trials to understand capabilities and limits<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Proof of concept<\/strong> \u2013 focused tests to determine whether AI tools can support specific tasks, processes and workflows<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Iteration<\/strong> \u2013 refining approaches and outputs through repeated trials, informed by feedback and earlier attempts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"types-of-lab\"><strong>Types of lab <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Each lab simulates a work domain. Within a domain, there may be multiple working contexts or scenarios, each providing a different lens for exploration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Examples of domains and contexts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Consultancy<\/strong><br>Contexts: small consultancy team members, freelance bid writer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Creative Authorship<\/strong><br>Contexts: memoir writing, family storytelling, publishing workflow<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Community Non-Profit<\/strong><br>Contexts: campaign group, volunteer-run organisation, community media<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Retail and Services<\/strong><br>Contexts: small shop, local tradesperson, independent therapist<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Academic or Research Straddler<\/strong><br>Contexts: semi-retired lecturer, MSc student, club organiser<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Modes of engagement<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Labs support different modes and depths of engagement:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Acclimatisation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>For newcomers to AI<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gentle exposure to prompts, outputs, and concepts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Encourages questioning and scepticism before application<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>May involve guided demonstrations, tool walkthroughs, or annotated examples<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Experimentation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Structured or open-ended trials using realistic tasks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Focus on how to prompt, what works, what fails<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>May include prompt tuning, error analysis, or process re-runs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Experiment with domain-specific use cases and workflows<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Develop concepts for applying AI in domain-specific processes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Proof of Concept<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Goal-driven tests for specific problems or use cases<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Seeks to answer: \u201cCould this actually work for me?\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Iteration<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Reworking previous attempts using feedback, insights, or new tools<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Begins to build reusability and generalisation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Participant roles<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We use \u201cparticipant\u201d as a general term for anyone involved in a lab. Within that, three main roles are distinguished:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Observer<\/strong> \u2013 Watches AI in use, reflects, and asks questions without interacting directly<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Explorer<\/strong> \u2013 Actively tries prompts, evaluates responses, and engages with the tools<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Facilitator<\/strong> \u2013 Sets up and runs the lab, provides guidance, and curates outputs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Lab setup and structure<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Each lab setup includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Name and Purpose<\/strong> \u2013 A short title and clear reason for the lab<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mode of Engagement<\/strong> \u2013 Whether the session is for acclimatisation, experimentation, proof of concept, or iteration<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Simulated Context<\/strong> \u2013 What kind of real-world work is being modelled<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Participants and Roles<\/strong> \u2013 Who\u2019s involved and how<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Task Set<\/strong> \u2013 The specific activities or challenges being explored<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tool Configuration<\/strong> \u2013 Which AI and non-AI tools are used, and how they are set up<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Resources<\/strong> \u2013 A file library, sample documents, and any relevant data inputs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lab Outputs<\/strong> \u2013 Deciding what types of output matter for this lab, and providing the facilities to produce them (eg templates, folder structure)&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Our position is that people take part in a lab session to explore, alongside fellow explorers, what they can do with their own AI tools. They can begin with a free licence, if that&#8217;s all they have. Then, as we and others demonstrate the greater capability of the paid licences, free uses might choose to upgrade themselves in order to continue their AI learning curve. The point here is that we are not delivering a training course for which they are paying. Were that so, we would be expected to provide the necessary training materials. In our model, participants bring along the tools they want to experiment with, to mutual benefit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Outcomes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Labs generate value in multiple forms. Not just outputs, but understanding, confidence, and practical insight. These outcomes may arise during the session or emerge through later reflection and reuse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Types of value include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Practical insight<\/strong> \u2013 What AI tools help with, where they fall short, and how to work with their quirks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Confidence and capability<\/strong> \u2013 Participants gain familiarity, reduce anxiety, and become more willing to explore<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Use-case refinement<\/strong> \u2013 A vague idea becomes a better-shaped task, with clearer expectations and improved prompts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Reusable components<\/strong> \u2013 Prompt-output pairs, templates, or notes that can feed future labs or be reused by others<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Narrative material<\/strong> \u2013 Raw experience captured as diary posts, lab notes, or reflections on what worked and what didn\u2019t<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Inputs for iteration<\/strong> \u2013 Insights that shape future experiments or point to promising next steps<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Trust-building<\/strong> \u2013 Sharing missteps and progress openly builds credibility, especially for those unsure where to begin<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These outcomes matter even if the AI doesn\u2019t perform well. Failures are often the most instructive results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-text-annotation is-style-text-annotation--2\">Transparency Label Justification. This canvas was developed through a structured and iterative collaboration between Alec Fearon and ChatGPT. Alec directed the purpose, structure, and terminology of the document, prompted each section\u2019s development, and critically reviewed all contributions. ChatGPT generated draft content, proposed structural changes, and refined language under Alec\u2019s supervision. The ideas and framing reflect shared authorship, with Alec clearly in charge of direction and tone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<!-- PMB print buttons is only displayed on a single post\/page URLs-->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Conceptual Framework for Anapoly AI Labs&nbsp; transparency label: AI-assisted Note: This document is an early draft, currently under review. Some of the terminology, in particular, is under debate. Our stance We don\u2019t claim to be AI experts. We\u2019re practitioners exploring AI in real problems faced by professionals like us. We\u2019re testing, documenting, and improving \u2013 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-365","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/anapoly.co.uk\/labs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/365","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/anapoly.co.uk\/labs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/anapoly.co.uk\/labs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/anapoly.co.uk\/labs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/anapoly.co.uk\/labs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=365"}],"version-history":[{"count":24,"href":"https:\/\/anapoly.co.uk\/labs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/365\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":698,"href":"https:\/\/anapoly.co.uk\/labs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/365\/revisions\/698"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/anapoly.co.uk\/labs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=365"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/anapoly.co.uk\/labs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=365"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/anapoly.co.uk\/labs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=365"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}