PMI Global Summit: What's Possible in the Future of Project Management

On day three of the summit, Jean-Luc Favrot presented on: New Hybrid: Bridging AI Tools with Human-Centered Approaches to Maximize Efficiency

As the project management landscape evolves, the fusion of AI tools and Human-Centered Approaches (HCA) is proving to be a game-changer for maximizing efficiency and innovation. PMI’s Pulse of the Profession 2024 emphasizes this hybrid approach, combining technology with human insight to shape the future of project work.

In modern organizations, hybrid project development is key, blending traditional methods with AI-driven tools. Hybrid work arrangements, where teams operate across remote and in-person settings, are becoming the norm. To successfully implement these hybrid models, enablers such as training and Centers of Excellence (COEs) are essential to ensure teams can effectively integrate AI tools into their workflows. 

Applying Design Thinking in AI-Driven Projects

Design Thinking offers a valuable framework for integrating AI into project management. Following its key phases—Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test—project managers can act like architects, guiding AI’s role within their organization:

• Empathize: Understand the specific needs of the organization and team, learning how AI can address their challenges.
• Define: Set a clear vision for AI implementation, aligning it with project goals and long-term objectives.
• Ideate: Hold workshops to explore innovative ways AI can be used, fostering creative solutions and best practices.

By blending AI capabilities with human-centered principles, project managers can create smarter, more adaptable teams capable of driving success in an increasingly hybrid work environment.

In closing the summit, the keynote was given by Mick Ebeling of Not Impossible Labs who shared the story of how he went from a producer and filmmaker to the founder of Not Impossible Labs. Ebeling founded Not Impossible, a multiple award-winning social innovation lab and production company, on the premise that nothing is impossible. His mantra of “commit, then figure it out” allows him to convene a disparate team of hackers, doers, makers, and thinkers to create devices that better the world by bringing accessibility for all. He shared the story of how it all began when a friend took him to an art event and he learned the artist, TEMPT, was unable to create more art due to ALS confining him to bed and only being able to move his eyes. Mick was inspired to put together a team and create The Eyewriter, which allowed TEMPT to use his eyes to be able to draw again. Not Impossible Labs’ mission is to change the world through technology and story by addressing societal “absurdities” or problems to improve the lives of everyone… and to prove that what was once impossible is now Not Impossible. 

Leaving the summit with the ideas that AI is a tool we need to integrate and work with and that nothing is impossible were great takeaways. Sure, there are many more questions than answers, but there are also possibilities. And the project management community is moving forward with great speed toward a future that aligns these principles. Both takeaways are important to the work we do at PM Solutions as we help organizations turn their "impossible" into "not impossible," and maybe even "entirely possible and a great success."

I'm looking forward to the great conversations that take place after the summit each year and would love to hear some of your takeaways.