A big picture for AI transformation

Artificial intelligence is currently changing processes, roles, and entire business models. Many companies are already working on their first AI applications—from automated processes and data analysis to generative AI tools. However, many organizations quickly face a typical challenge: Although the AI strategy has been decided, it remains abstract for many employees. What does an AI transformation mean for individual departments in concrete terms? What steps are involved? And how are strategy, technology, and specific use cases connected? Without a clear presentation, AI often remains a complex concept. Presentations, strategy papers, and technical architecture diagrams explain individual aspects, but they rarely show the big picture. This is where visualizing an AI strategy can help. A visual framework makes it clear • which steps are necessary for AI implementation • which roles and areas are involved • how individual measures contribute to AI transformation in the company This creates a common understanding of the change.

To illustrate these interrelationships, we have developed an AI big picture in collaboration with the transformation consultancy CPC. The picture shows examples of the steps companies should consider on the path to successful AI transformation – from strategic alignment and pilot projects to the organizational anchoring of AI applications. At the center of the picture is a company that is setting out to use AI systematically. Surrounding it are various areas of action, such as: • Developing an AI strategy • Identifying use cases • Building data and tool infrastructures • Training and involving employees • Organizational anchoring of AI The result is a visual roadmap for introducing AI in the company. The content structure of this example was developed in collaboration with CPC. Big Pictury used it to design the visual concept and illustration of the big picture.

The AI Big Picture shows typical areas of action for an AI transformation and serves as a guide for companies dealing with the topic of AI. At the same time, it is not a standardized model that can simply be adopted. In practice, Big Picture works with companies to develop individual Big Pictures that are tailored precisely to their respective strategies, organizations, and specific AI use cases. The example image can therefore serve as inspiration – but the actual goal is always a customized visualization of the company's own AI strategy. The result is an image that fits the company perfectly and can be used as a communication tool for strategy, transformation, and implementation.

For many companies, the introduction of AI is less a technical issue than a communication issue. Strategies, use cases, and organizational changes must be communicated in such a way that everyone involved understands • what it is all about • what steps are necessary • what role they themselves play in the process A big picture can help to make complex content understandable and create a shared view of the transformation. The AI big picture developed in collaboration with CPC shows how an AI transformation can be visually represented – and how such an image can help companies provide orientation and make changes understandable.

The AI Big Picture uses a space metaphor. A large spaceship floats in the center of the image, symbolizing a company that is using artificial intelligence to explore new opportunities. The view from "orbit" deliberately creates distance from day-to-day business. Instead of looking at individual tools or projects, the entire AI transformation becomes visible. Around the company, various scenes show typical steps on the path to successful AI implementation – for example: • an AI maturity assessment to determine the current status • pilot projects and initial use cases in various areas • training and qualification of employees • the development of structures, governance, and appropriate tools This creates an overall picture that bridges the gap between vision and concrete implementation. The big picture helps to create a common understanding of AI transformation – technically, strategically, and culturally. The content perspective of the image was developed in collaboration with transformation consultancy CPC. Big Pictury used this to design the visual concept and illustration of the big picture.

Companies often face the challenge of communicating complex content in an understandable way. Various visualization formats are used for this purpose, such as explanatory films, graphic recordings, or large strategic illustrations. While explanatory films are often used in marketing or for product communication, graphic recordings are mostly used in workshops or events. For strategic topics such as transformation, processes, or corporate visions, on the other hand, large-format visualizations, also known as big pictures or dialogue images, are often used. Such visualizations help teams understand contexts more quickly and develop a common view of complex topics.