In 1995, musician and producer Brian Eno made a profound observation about computer sequencers that has become increasingly relevant in our AI-powered world:
"The great benefit of computer sequencers is that they remove the issue of skill, and replace it with the issue of judgement. With Cubase or Photoshop, anybody can actually do anything, and you can make stuff that sounds very much like stuff you'd hear on the radio, or looks very much like anything you see in magazines. So the question becomes not whether you can do it or not, because any drudge can do it if they're prepared to sit in front of the computer for a few days, the question then is, 'Of all the things you can now do, which do you choose to do?'"
The Parallel to AI
Eno's insight perfectly captures what's happening with AI tools today. Just as computer sequencers democratized music production, AI is democratizing a wide range of creative and professional tasks:
- Writing and content creation
- Image generation and design
- Code development
- Data analysis
- Problem-solving
The technical barriers that once separated amateurs from professionals are rapidly dissolving. Anyone with access to AI tools can now produce work that, at least superficially, resembles professional output.
The New Differentiator: Judgement
As Eno predicted, the key differentiator is no longer technical skill but judgement. When everyone can generate content, code, or designs, the real value lies in:
- Knowing what to create: Understanding what's worth making in the first place
- Making meaningful choices: Selecting the right approach from countless possibilities
- Evaluating quality: Distinguishing between good and great outputs
- Understanding context: Applying the right solution to the right problem
The Mind Mapping Connection
This shift from technical skill to judgement is exactly why mind mapping has become more valuable in the AI era. Mind maps help you:
- Clarify your thinking before using AI tools
- Structure complex problems into manageable pieces
- Evaluate AI outputs against your original goals
- Make informed decisions about which AI-generated options to pursue
The Future of Work
As AI continues to evolve, we'll see more roles shift from technical execution to strategic judgement. The most valuable professionals will be those who can:
- Ask the right questions
- Frame problems effectively
- Make sound decisions
- Provide meaningful direction to AI tools
Conclusion
Eno's observation from nearly 30 years ago has become a blueprint for thriving in the AI era. The question is no longer "Can you do it?" but "What should you do, and why?" As technical barriers continue to fall, our ability to exercise good judgement becomes our most valuable asset.
At MapsAll, we're building tools that help you develop and apply this judgement - whether you're working with AI or tackling complex problems in any domain. Because in a world where technical execution is increasingly automated, the quality of your thinking and decision-making becomes your competitive advantage.
— The MapsAll Team