New AI productivity assistance tools emerge weekly, each making bold claims about gains. After methodically testing dozens of them, I’ve found most fall short. However, these three AI-driven productivity strategies have proven genuinely valuable in my workflow, measurably improving both quality and efficiency.
Dia: Your AI-Powered Research Assistant
Ever tried making sense of 20+ browser tabs while searching for that perfect article you read last month? While browsers haven’t evolved much in decades, Dia changes that. Beyond just displaying web pages, it becomes your research partner—letting you chat with tabs, create custom workflows, and search months of browsing history using natural language.
Advanced Application: I’m currently exploring Dia’s personalization features, starting with its memory capabilities to see how it learns from my research patterns. Next, I’ll be diving into Skills – Dia’s custom workflow builder for systematic literature reviews and content research.
Lex: Your AI Writing Partner
Writing is hard. When you’re staring at a blank screen or wrestling with a draft, the process can feel lonely and overwhelming. I know—I was there too, until I found Lex.
This AI writing partner doesn’t just generate text—it debates word choices, suggests transitions, and helps structure ideas. I use it daily for my blog writing, including this piece you’re reading now. It’s changed how I think on the page.
Advanced Application: Build a knowledge base of your best writing in Lex. I’ve uploaded my favorite blog posts and course materials, creating a partner that grows with me. As I get better, Lex gets better.
Descript: Your AI Video Production Team
Remember VHS tape-to-tape editing? Descript transforms that tedious process into something remarkable: you edit video by editing text. Delete words from a transcript to remove them from your video. Fix verbal mistakes by simply typing the correct words—Descript regenerates your voice to match.
Advanced Application: Start with the filler word removal and pace adjustment tools. These automated fixes transform casual recordings into polished presentations. For academic panels and guest lectures, the multi-speaker sync feature turns basic Zoom recordings into professional-quality conversations, cutting editing time in half.
Your Research-to-Video Workflow
These three tools create a streamlined content creation system:
- Start with Dia to research and organize your ideas
- Refine your writing with Lex
- Polish your video presentations with Descript
Ready to transform your workflow? Each tool offers a free trial, so start with the one that addresses your biggest challenge. And have fun experimenting!