In a significant leap forward for artificial intelligence, OpenAI has unveiled o1-preview, an AI system that fundamentally changes how machines approach complex problems. Released on September 12, 2024, this new model does something remarkable: it pauses, considers multiple approaches, and refines its thinking before giving you an answer. And that simple change is transforming what AI can accomplish.

A New Approach to Problem-Solving

Instead of generating immediate responses, o1 reasons through problems step by step, much like a human expert would. Think of the difference between a student rushing to answer a question versus one who carefully considers the problem from multiple angles. The results speak for themselves: when tested against International Mathematics Olympiad problems, o1 solved 83% correctly, compared to its predecessor’s 13%.

In competitive programming, o1 has reached the 89th percentile in Codeforces competitions, and it matches PhD-level performance in physics, chemistry, and biology benchmarks. But what makes this truly interesting isn’t just the scores — it’s how it gets there.

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Seeing O1 in Action: A Real-World Example

Let’s walk through how o1 approaches a common business challenge: naming a new local bakery that specializes in artisanal sourdough and wants to capture both traditional and modern aspects of baking.

The Prompt Structure

Here’s how to structure your prompt for o1:

Help me name a new local bakery with the following criteria:

Business Details:
- Artisanal sourdough bakery
- Uses traditional methods but has modern presentation
- Located in a historic downtown area
- Aims to attract both bread enthusiasts and casual customers
- Will also offer baking classes and starter kits
Using a tournament-style selection process:
1. Initial Name Generation
- Create 32 potential names
- Each name should:
  * Reflect both traditional and modern aspects
  * Be easy to pronounce and spell
  * Work well for local SEO
  * Have potential for logo design
2. Selection Process
Round 1 (32 to 16):
- Pair names and evaluate based on:
  * Local market appeal
  * Memorability
  * Brand potential
  * Domain availability
Round 2 (16 to 8):
- Compare remaining names considering:
  * Word-of-mouth potential
  * Social media handle availability
  * Cultural associations
  * Competition in local market
Quarter Finals (8 to 4):
- Evaluate finalists based on:
  * Customer first impressions
  * Marketing versatility
  * Long-term growth potential
  * Community fit
Semi Finals (4 to 2):
- Detailed analysis of:
  * Brand story potential
  * Target audience alignment
  * Visual branding possibilities
  * Local business compatibility
Finals:
- Compare final two names with comprehensive analysis
- Consider future business expansion possibilities
- Evaluate potential customer emotional connections
3. Final Output:
- Present winning name with full rationale
- Include potential tagline suggestions
- List top 5 runner-up names with brief explanations
- Provide initial branding direction

How O1 Processes This Task

Watch how o1 methodically breaks down the challenge:

Initial Analysis:
1. Business Essence: 
   - Core: Artisanal sourdough bakery
   - Secondary: Educational component
   - Location context: Historic downtown
   - Target market: Dual audience (enthusiasts and casual customers)
2. Name Requirements:
   - Must bridge traditional and modern
   - Local SEO considerations
   - Multiple use cases (signage, packaging, social)
   - Cultural relevance to location

Here’s how it creates evaluation criteria:

Evaluation Framework:
1. Primary Metrics (1-10 scale):
   - Local Market Fit
   - Memorability
   - Versatility
   - Authentication (connection to craft)
2. Secondary Checks:
   - Domain availability
   - Social media handles
   - Trademark conflicts
   - Cultural sensitivity
3. Brand Potential:
   - Story opportunities
   - Visual possibilities
   - Growth flexibility
   - Community integration

Let’s see the result:

Winning Name: Grain & Gather

Rationale:
Grain & Gather perfectly encapsulates the essence of your bakery. The word "Grain" represents the traditional, artisanal methods of baking sourdough bread, highlighting the foundational ingredient and the craftsmanship involved. "Gather" evokes a sense of community and togetherness, aligning with your offering of baking classes and creating a welcoming atmosphere for both bread enthusiasts and casual customers. The name is easy to pronounce and spell, has strong local SEO potential, and offers versatile opportunities for visual branding and logo design.

Potential Tagline Suggestions:
"Where Tradition Meets Community"
"Artisan Breads, Shared Together"
"Baking Craft, Building Community"

Top 5 Runner-Up Names:
Flour & Forge
Emphasizes artisanal craftsmanship and traditional methods, with strong visual branding potential related to forging and creation.

Crust & Crumb
A catchy and memorable name highlighting the essential elements of bread, appealing to both casual customers and bread aficionados.

Dough Dynasty
Suggests a legacy and mastery in baking, with a modern twist that could attract a broad audience.

Loaf & Learn
Cleverly incorporates the educational aspect of your business, emphasizing baking classes and skill-sharing.

Urban Grain
Blends the historic downtown location with modern appeal, signaling a contemporary take on traditional baking.

Initial Branding Direction:
For Grain & Gather, the branding should evoke warmth, authenticity, and community spirit. Consider earthy color palettes featuring warm browns, rustic oranges, and soft yellows to reflect the natural ingredients and artisanal process. Visual elements could include stylized grain stalks, communal tables, or hands reaching together, symbolizing gathering. The typography should be clean yet rustic—think serif fonts with a handcrafted feel. Incorporating subtle modern touches will help bridge the traditional and contemporary aspects of your bakery, appealing to a wide range of customers.

Beyond Theoretical Problems

This methodical approach isn’t just for naming businesses. The real-world applications are transforming how professionals work:

• Healthcare researchers are using it to analyze complex genetic sequences

• Physicists are generating intricate mathematical formulas for quantum optics

• Developers are designing and executing sophisticated multi-step workflows

Alternative Decision-Making Frameworks: Beyond the Tournament

While the tournament approach works well for comparing multiple options, o1’s methodical thinking can be applied to other decision-making frameworks. Here are powerful alternatives you can use:

1. The SWOT Matrix Approach

Analyze [decision/option] using a detailed SWOT framework:
1. Generate comprehensive lists for:
   - Strengths (internal positives)
   - Weaknesses (internal limitations)
   - Opportunities (external possibilities)
   - Threats (external challenges)
2. Weight each factor (1-10) based on:
   - Impact potential
   - Probability
   - Time sensitivity
3. Cross-analyze:
   - How strengths can maximize opportunities
   - How strengths can minimize threats
   - How to convert weaknesses to strengths
   - Which threats need immediate attention
4. Provide actionable recommendations based on the analysis

2. Decision Matrix Analysis

Evaluate [options] using weighted criteria:
1. List all decision criteria
2. Assign weights to each criterion (1-10)
3. Rate each option against criteria
4. Calculate weighted scores
5. Analyze sensitivity of results
6. Provide detailed reasoning for weights and ratings

3. The Six Thinking Hats Method

Analyze [decision] using Six Thinking Hats:
1. White Hat (Facts):
   - List all known data
   - Identify information gaps
2. Red Hat (Emotions):
   - Emotional impact
   - Stakeholder feelings
   - Gut reactions
3. Black Hat (Caution):
   - Potential problems
   - Risk analysis
   - Weaknesses
4. Yellow Hat (Benefits):
   - Opportunities
   - Best-case scenarios
   - Positive outcomes
5. Green Hat (Creativity):
   - Alternative approaches
   - New solutions
   - Innovations
6. Blue Hat (Process):
   - Action plan
   - Next steps
   - Implementation strategy

4. The 5 Whys Analysis

Deep dive into [problem/decision] using 5 Whys:
1. State the initial problem
2. Ask 'Why?' for each answer 5 times
3. Branch analysis for multiple causes
4. Identify root causes
5. Propose solutions for each root cause
6. Evaluate solution effectiveness

5. Cost-Benefit Timeline

Analyze [decision] across multiple timeframes:
1. Immediate Impact (0-6 months):
   - Costs
   - Benefits
   - Resource requirements
2. Short-term (6-18 months):
   - Secondary effects
   - Resource adjustments
   - Market response
3. Long-term (18+ months):
   - Strategic implications
   - Compound benefits
   - Future opportunities
4. Calculate:
   - ROI timelines
   - Risk-adjusted returns
   - Opportunity costs

Choosing the Right Framework

Select your framework based on:

1. Decision Type Tournament: Best for multiple similar options SWOT: Ideal for strategic decisions Decision Matrix: Perfect for objective comparisons Six Hats: Great for complex decisions with multiple stakeholders 5 Whys: Excellent for problem-solving Cost-Benefit Timeline: Best for investment decisions

2. Time Available Quick decisions: Decision Matrix Deep analysis: Six Hats or SWOT Root cause finding: 5 Whys Long-term planning: Cost-Benefit Timeline

3. Information Quality Limited data: Six Hats or 5 Whys Lots of data: Decision Matrix or Tournament Mixed information: SWOT Analysis

Combining Frameworks

For complex decisions, consider combining frameworks:

Example Combined Approach:
1. Start with 5 Whys to understand the core decision
2. Use SWOT to analyze context
3. Apply Decision Matrix to compare options
4. Finish with Cost-Benefit Timeline for implementation planning

Writing Effective O1 Prompts

Based on our example, here are key elements for writing effective o1 prompts:

1. Clear Structure: Break your request into distinct steps

2. Specific Criteria: Define what success looks like

3. Evaluation Method: Provide a framework for comparing options

4. Output Format: Specify how you want the results presented

5. Reasoning Requirements: Ask for explanations at key decision points

The Shift in AI Thinking

O1 represents more than just an improvement in AI capabilities — it’s a fundamental shift in how artificial intelligence approaches problems. While it might not be your go-to choice for quick, simple tasks, it excels when deep, careful thinking is required.

This isn’t just another incremental advance in AI technology; it’s a glimpse into a future where artificial intelligence doesn’t just process information, but truly reasons through it. And for professionals tackling complex problems, that makes all the difference.

Remember: The power of o1 isn’t just in getting an answer — it’s in the structured thinking process it demonstrates. Start with smaller decisions and work your way up to more complex challenges as you become comfortable with the approach.

Want to experiment? Try using o1 to:

• Design your next presentation structure

• Plan your content calendar

• Evaluate potential business partnerships

• Create a product pricing strategy

• Develop your team’s workflow

The key is to break down complex decisions into structured comparisons with clear criteria. Whether you’re using o1 or applying these principles on your own, this methodical approach can transform how you make decisions.