Many people have asked me can they use Switch Thinking with AI.
My answer is of course a resounding yes.
In fact, Generative AI such as ChatGPT can amplify and accelerate Switch Thinking.
So here is a guide you can download for your AI so that it can help you instantly.
About Switch Thinking
Developed by Dr. Ken Hudson, Switch Thinking is a powerful cognitive framework designed to help individuals and teams move fluidly between analytical and creative thinking, adapt quickly, and make smarter decisions in real time.
It is based on an original insight of Dr Ken Hudson when he observed how bilingual people can (with practice) switch between different languages.
He wondered whether this same switching skill could be applied to thinking e.g. from say critical thinking to creative thinking or lateral thinking or systems thinking to name a few different styles of thinking.
Why Use Switch Thinking with AI?
AI is a powerful tool for generating ideas, analyzing data, adapting to change and solving problems.
But how you interact with AI determines the quality of your results.
Using Switch Thinking with AI allows you to:
- Generate better insights by shifting between logic and creativity.
- Enhance problem-solving by switching perspectives and assumptions.
- Help you get unstuck and accelerate progress.
- Evaluate the ideas generated by AI
- Make better, faster decisions
This guide can make AI a true thinking partner instead of just a tool.
The two different Modes of Thinking.
In Switch Thinking there are two different modes of thinking:
Box Mode which is concerned with logic, structure, evaluation and decision-making.
This can be use by either humans and/or AI.
Box Mode approximately equates to your Central Executive Network.
And
Ball Mode which is concerned with creativity, expansion, exploration and new possibilities.
This can be used by humans and/or AI.
Ball Mode approximately equates to your Brain’s Default Mode Network.
The Switch Thinking process consists of switching back and forth between Box and Ball modes depending on the need, situation or challenge.
There is also a Connect Step which encourages people (and AI) to merge ideas, solutions and insights from Box Mode and Ball Mode to develop bigger and better solutions.
The Connect step approximately equates to your Salience Network.
How to Use AI with Switch Thinking
You don’t need to explain Switch Thinking to AI every time, you can just use prompts.
However, giving AI a framework upfront can enhance its responses.
Option 1: Explicitly Teaching AI Switch Thinking
To guide AI in using Switch Thinking systematically, start with:
We are going to use Switch Thinking.
This involves:
Box Mode (structured, logical or critical thinking, rational).
Ball Mode (creative, expansive thinking, emotion, intuition, imagination).
The Connect Step (merging logic with creativity).
I will ask questions that switch between these modes.
Be responsive and follow the shifts.
There are a number of Switches to help shift from Box Mode to Ball Mode.
These include:
- Switch Perspective
- Switch your Focus (attention)
- Switch your Goals
- Switch your Questions
- Switch to Emotion
- Switch to Imagination
- Switch the rules (e.g. assumptions, beliefs)
There is no right or wrong switch or prompt to use.
This primes AI to switch modes more deliberately.
Option 2: Just Start Using Switch Thinking Prompts
You can jump straight into prompting AI without explaining the framework!
AI-Powered Switch Thinking Prompts
Perspective Switching (Expand Your View)
Box Mode: What is the traditional perspective on this issue?
Switch to Ball Mode: What if we viewed this from the perspective of a (child, artist, athlete, scientist, comedian)?
Connect: What elements from these perspectives could be applied in a real-world solution?
Example Use Case: A marketing team using AI to rethink customer engagement.
Box Mode: What are the typical ways brands engage customers?
Switch to Ball Mode: How would a stand-up comedian engage an audience?
Connect: How can humor-based engagement techniques improve customer loyalty?
Switching Questions (Unlock Deeper Insights)
Box Mode: What is the core problem we are trying to solve?
Switch to Ball Mode: What if we framed this as an opportunity instead?
Connect: How can we solve this problem in a way that also creates new opportunities?
Example Use Case: A team struggling with declining employee engagement.
Box Mode: Why are engagement scores dropping?
Switch to Ball Mode: What if we saw this as an opportunity to reinvent workplace culture?
Connect: How do we create a strategy that both addresses disengagement and builds an inspiring culture?
Ball-to-Box Mode for Refinement (Making Ideas Work)
Ball Mode: Generate 10 wild, unconventional solutions to this problem.
Switch to Box Mode: Now evaluate those ideas and rank them based on feasibility and impact.
Connect: How can we refine the top 3 ideas into practical solutions?
Example Use Case: A CEO exploring radical growth strategies.
Ball Mode: What are 10 out-of-the-box ways to double revenue?
Switch to Box Mode: Which ideas are viable given our resources?
Connect: What’s a hybrid strategy that balances risk and innovation?
Switching Between Logical & Emotional Thinking (Balancing Head & Heart)
Box Mode: What does the data say?
Switch to Ball Mode: How do people feel about this?
Connect: How do we balance logic and emotion in our decision-making?
Example Use Case: A CTO deciding whether to introduce a new AI tool.
Box Mode:What are the performance metrics of this AI?
Switch to Ball Mode: How might employees feel about working alongside AI?
Connect: How do we ensure this rollout is both data-driven and human-centered?
Switching Between Big & Small Thinking (Switch to Imagination)
Box Mode: What is the next small step we need to take?
Switch to Ball Mode: What is the long-term vision?
Connect: How does this next step align with our big-picture strategy?
Example Use Case: A startup founder navigating growth.
Box Mode: What is the immediate revenue goal for this quarter?
Switch to Ball Mode: What is our vision for 5 years from now?
Connect: How does today’s strategy keep us on track for the long-term goal?
Key Message:
AI + Switch Thinking = A Smarter, More Creative and Adaptable Mindset
AI can naturally follow Switch Thinking prompts, there is no need for constant explanation.
You of course can explicitly teach AI Box Mode, Ball Mode and the Connect Step.
Using Switch Thinking with AI makes decision-making, idea generation and adapting to change faster, more creative, more dynamic and effective.
Learn more at www.switchthinking.net