Building an AI First Snack Company: A Hands-on Generative AI Exercise

Although the term 'Generative AI' (GenAI) is widely recognized, its practical application in daily workflows has yet to be understood. This exercise introduces students to GenAI tools, demonstrating how they can be seamlessly integrated into professional work practices to co-invent, analyze data, generate images, summarize text, etc. The exercise guides students through developing a fictional snack company, showcasing the versatility of GenAI in tasks such as market analysis, brand development, and the formulation of marketing strategies. The exercise culminates with students creating a comprehensive design document and presentation that can be used to pitch to investors. Key takeaways include understanding how GenAI works, incorporating AI into developing and launching a new product, and offering valuable lessons on AI's potential and limitations in the modern workplace.