A Simple Solution to a Complicated Problem
Notion, a tool designed to streamline knowledge work, recently introduced a new feature known as Q&A. This feature functions as a highly intelligent AI executive assistant capable of quickly locating information. Q&A is accessible to all Notion users and is priced between $8 and $10 per person per month. With elements of search engines and chatbots, this tool makes it simple to discover answers to specific inquiries or unearth previously unknown information.
The Strengths and Weaknesses of Q&A
Q&A is only as valuable as the data it can access. While it can retrieve information stored in Notion, it may not have access to external sources. For example, during a demo, Q&A was able to provide a list of recent articles by a specific author, but it wasn’t aware of the author’s most recent work. Notion acknowledges this challenge and is considering ways to connect to more data.
Access and Permissions: Navigating the Complexity
Another challenge for Q&A is managing access and permissions. Different users may have different levels of access to certain information, and ensuring that each person sees what they should and nothing else can be complicated. Notion demonstrated how the Q&A pop-up can limit access to sensitive information based on user permissions, but acknowledges that there are countless other examples and potential pitfalls.
Unlocking the Full Potential of AI
Notion’s AI tools, including Q&A, are designed to simplify knowledge work and help users navigate the vast amount of information in their lives. While replacing files and folders may not be the flashiest use of AI, it can be incredibly useful for many people.
Overall, Q&A is a step towards solving the problem of information retrieval in the age of modern knowledge work. By combining search engine capabilities with chatbot functionality, Notion hopes to provide users with a powerful tool to find the information they need quickly and efficiently.