The Two Rooms – Interactive Tool
Inspired by the TEDx Talk “When AI Takes Your Job – What’s Left of You?” by Marlow D. Guttmann.
This small, playful reflection tool helps you explore your relationship with AI and technology – and reconnect with your inner compass. Everything you type stays on your device. Nothing is saved or sent to any server.
You will walk through two spaces: the Technology Room and the Compass Room. At the end, you will receive a short personal “Switch Report” you can print or save as PDF.
Which room would you like to enter first?
You will visit both rooms. Choose where you want to begin.
Welcome to the Technology Room
This is where you use AI and technology to move faster, automate tasks, and get answers quickly. It can feel productive and exciting – and sometimes overwhelming.
Clear a bit of noise
Click at least one card that feels like “noise” in your digital life today.
Welcome to the Compass Room
This is a quieter space. Here you focus on what truly matters to you – beyond job titles, algorithms and notifications.
Examples of values could be: learning, service, curiosity, justice, family, creativity, community, independence, stability, courage… but this is deeply personal. Please write your own words below.
The switch between the rooms
“You don’t have to choose between technology and your inner compass. The real skill is switching.”
– Inspired by the Two Rooms Model from Marlow D. Guttmann
In a moment, you will see a short summary of where you are right now – and one tiny action you can take today to use AI as a tool, without losing yourself along the way.
How to use this in your daily life
Come back to this exercise whenever you feel overwhelmed, stuck or disconnected. Ask yourself:
- Am I spending too much time in the Technology Room?
- Have I forgotten my Compass Room – my values and direction?
- What is one small switch I can make today?
This tool is inspired by the TEDx Talk “How to Use AI Without Losing Yourself” by Marlow D. Guttmann. You can learn more at marlowguttmann.de.
The Two Rooms Model – Context & FAQ
Inspired by the TEDx talk “When AI Takes Your Job – What’s Left of You?” by Marlow D. Guttmann.
Why the Two Rooms Model matters today
Artificial Intelligence is not a distant future anymore. It is already present in how we write, search for information, apply for jobs, make decisions and organise our days. Many people use AI tools every day – sometimes without consciously noticing how deeply they shape their thinking, behaviour and emotions.
At the same time, questions of purpose, identity and direction are becoming louder. Especially for younger generations entering the workplace, it can feel like they are running a race against systems that are faster, smarter and constantly optimised. It is easy to slip into comparison, pressure and quiet anxiety: “What do I still bring to the table, if AI can do so much?”
The Two Rooms Model is a simple way to respond to this tension. The Technology Room reminds us that AI is a powerful tool that can amplify our work, increase efficiency and open new possibilities. The Compass Room brings us back to values, meaning and direction – the questions no algorithm can answer for us.
Instead of choosing one room and rejecting the other, the core skill is learning to switch: to use technology intentionally, and to regularly return to the inner compass that makes our decisions human. In a world of constant noise, this switching becomes a key competence for mental health, ethical decision-making and sustainable careers.
This interactive tool was created to support that switch in a playful, private and accessible way. Everything you enter stays on your device. It is not a diagnostic test and not a tool to measure you. It is an invitation to pause, reflect and ask yourself: “How do I want to use AI, so that it serves my life – instead of quietly taking it over?”
If you would like to explore this further in your organisation, team or learning programme, you can find more information and contact details at marlowguttmann.de.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Two Rooms Model in simple words?
The Two Rooms Model describes two spaces you move between every day: the Technology Room, where you use AI and digital tools to get things done, and the Compass Room, where you slow down, reflect and reconnect with your values and direction. The goal is not to choose one room forever, but to consciously switch between them depending on what you need in a given moment.
Is any of my data stored when I use this tool?
No. Everything you type stays in your browser. The tool does not send, store or track your inputs on any server. If you refresh the page, your answers are gone. This is intentional: the exercise is meant for honest self-reflection, not for scoring or evaluation.
Who is this tool for?
This tool is for anyone who uses AI or digital tools in their daily life and sometimes feels overwhelmed, stuck or disconnected. It is especially helpful for students, young professionals, people in career transitions and teams that want to have more grounded conversations about AI and work.
How does this relate to my career and job search?
Many parts of today’s job market are already automated: CV screenings, job platforms and application processes often involve algorithms. This can create a feeling of invisibility or anxiety. The Two Rooms Model reminds you that the doors to meaningful opportunities often open through values, human connections and so-called “weak ties” – and that AI should support, not replace, those human steps.
Can I use this tool with my team, students or clients?
Yes. You can integrate the Two Rooms Tool as a short reflection exercise at the beginning of workshops, trainings or lectures on AI, digitalisation, leadership, ethics or mental health. Each person completes the tool privately and then you can open a conversation about what it feels like to move between the Technology Room and the Compass Room in your context.
How often should I use the Tool?
You can use it whenever you notice that technology feels “too loud” or your inner compass feels “too quiet”. For some people that might be once a week, for others once a month or at key transition points, for example before making an important career decision or after a period of intense digital work.
Does this replace therapy, counselling or coaching?
No. This tool is not a medical or psychological intervention. It does not replace therapy, counselling or professional coaching. It is a simple reflection aid that supports you in asking better questions about how you use AI and technology, and how you stay connected to your own values and direction. If you are struggling with your mental health, please reach out to qualified professionals in your country.
Where can I learn more about the idea behind this?
The Two Rooms Model is part of the TEDx talk “When AI Takes Your Job – What’s Left of You? ” by Marlow D. Guttmann. You can find the talk, additional resources and ways to bring this topic into your organisation at marlowguttmann.de.