Author(s): Vani Aggarwal, Manpreet Kaur, Parvathy Padmaja and Faraz Ahmad
Operations and management are key components of running a successful small business, but they can provide obstacles owing to limited resources and expertise. As small firms negotiate the complex landscape of management, using cutting-edge technology such as Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and design thinking offers a promising path for optimizing operations and boosting growth. The integration of Generative AI technology has the potential to transform small business management practices by providing automation, predictive analytics, and personalized insights. However, successful implementation involves a thorough understanding of consumers' wants, preferences, and pain areas. Design Thinking, a human-centered approach to innovation, provides a framework for connecting Generative AI products with the specific needs of small business owners. This study makes an effort to use empathy maps to pinpoint the issues small businesses face when integrating GenAI into their operations. Businesses can customize their approach to using or implementing Generative AI solutions to address important problems, relieve pain points, highlight gains, and provide valuable insights to their consumers by understanding the viewpoint of small business owners and stakeholders. This study's primary goal is to investigate how small organizations might use Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) to boost competitiveness, foster creativity, and increase operational efficiency via the lens of Design Thinking. Using empathy maps, the study aims to assess how generative AI technologies might be used to address business difficulties, streamline procedures, and foster creativity in the creation of new products and services as well as customer interaction.