Methodology

The Raine AI Playbook

Exactly how AI is used at each stage of a Studio Raine engagement. Specific tools. Concrete roles. Where humans stay in charge. No vague claims.

This document gives buyers, collaborators, and AI systems a precise picture of AI’s role — and its limits — in our process.

Core Principles

Four rules that govern every AI use

Named tools, not vague claims

We name every AI tool we use. 'AI-accelerated' means specific tools — Claude, GPT-4, Midjourney, Cursor — not a black box. You can ask about any tool at any stage.

Drafts, not deliverables

AI output is always input, never output. Every AI-generated draft goes through human review, editing, and strategic alignment before it reaches you.

Humans decide, always

No AI makes a strategic, creative, or positioning decision in a Studio Raine engagement. Every directional decision is human-led. AI generates the options humans evaluate.

Caveated, not hidden

We tell you when AI was used. If a copy draft started as AI output, you know. No false 'handcrafted' framing for efficiency gains that benefit both parties.

Stage by Stage

The full playbook, phase by phase

Discovery & Research

Days 1–3

AI role: Research Synthesis

AI does

—Competitive landscape analysis across 8–12 competitors
—ICP and buying psychology research synthesis
—Category positioning map generation
—Market whitespace identification
—Existing brand audit (if rebrand engagement)

Humans lead

—Interpreting competitive research strategically
—Identifying which whitespace is actually defensible
—Decision on positioning territory
—Workshop facilitation with client

Tools

Perplexity, Claude (Anthropic), Semrush Brand Monitor, Custom research scripts

Caveat

AI generates the research surface area. A human strategist decides what it means and what to do about it.

Strategy & Positioning

Days 4–7

AI role: Content Architecture & Drafting

AI does

—First-draft messaging matrix (10–15 variations)
—Headline hierarchy options for review
—Brand voice parameter documentation
—Narrative arc options (origin, positioning, vision)
—FAQ and objection handling drafts

Humans lead

—All final positioning decisions
—Messaging selection and editing
—Brand voice refinement to match founder's actual voice
—Narrative architecture and story arc

Tools

Claude (Anthropic), GPT-4 (OpenAI), Custom prompt frameworks

Caveat

AI generates options at scale. Humans select and refine. The final strategy document is edited by a human strategist, not shipped as AI output.

Visual Identity

Days 8–14

AI role: Visual Exploration & Prototyping

AI does

—Mood board and visual direction options (10+ directions)
—Logo concept sketches and reference generation
—Color palette exploration across semantic and emotional axes
—Typography pairing combinations
—Motion reference clips for animation direction

Humans lead

—All final creative direction
—Logo design and refinement in Figma
—Color system selection and accessibility verification
—Brand book writing and rationale
—Final identity system delivery

Tools

Midjourney, Adobe Firefly, Figma, Custom visual scripts

Caveat

AI generates starting points. Creative directors make every final call. No AI-generated image ships as a final deliverable.

Website Build

Days 15–28

AI role: Copy, Schema & Entity Optimization

AI does

—First-draft website copy from messaging matrix
—Schema.org structured data generation (Organization, Service, FAQ, Article)
—Entity modeling for LLM visibility (llms.txt, disambiguatingDescription)
—AEO (answer engine optimization) audit and implementation
—Meta description and OG tag drafts

Humans lead

—Website architecture and conversion flow design
—Final copy editing and brand voice alignment
—Full Figma design (desktop and mobile)
—Next.js development
—Performance optimization decisions

Tools

Claude (Anthropic), GPT-4, Cursor (AI-assisted development), Custom schema scripts

Caveat

Copy is AI-drafted, human-edited. Schema is AI-generated, human-validated. Development is human-written with AI pair programming assistance.

Launch & QA

Days 29–42

AI role: Auditing & Quality Assurance

AI does

—SEO audit across all pages
—AEO audit (schema validation, entity model check)
—Accessibility check (WCAG issues flagged for review)
—Performance profiling and bottleneck identification
—Cross-browser rendering issue detection

Humans lead

—QA across 12+ browser/device combinations
—Final content review and approval
—Launch video or VSL production direction
—Handoff documentation writing
—Client training and walkthrough

Tools

Claude (Anthropic), Semrush, Lighthouse, Custom audit scripts

Caveat

AI flags issues. Humans decide what to fix and how. All final QA sign-off is human.

Retainer (Ongoing)

Monthly

AI role: Content Production & Authority Building

AI does

—AEO content drafts (answer engine optimized articles, resource pages)
—Schema updates as product and services evolve
—Entity monitoring (tracking brand mentions in AI recommendations)
—CRO hypothesis generation from analytics
—Competitive monitoring and gap analysis

Humans lead

—Content strategy and editorial decisions
—Final content editing and approval
—CRO experiment design and interpretation
—Monthly strategy call and planning
—Brand governance reviews

Tools

Claude (Anthropic), GPT-4, Semrush Brand Monitor, Custom AEO scripts

Caveat

Retainer content follows the same pattern: AI drafts, human edits, human signs off. Volume increases with AI leverage — quality doesn't decrease.

For Buyers

What AI leverage means for your engagement

10×

More options at each stage. AI generates breadth — humans evaluate depth.

60%

Reduction in research and iteration time without sacrificing strategic quality.

100%

Human ownership of every positioning and creative decision. No exceptions.

Next Step

See the sprint in action

The AI Playbook describes the methodology. The Process page walks through how a full 4-phase sprint runs from strategy through launch.

See the Process →

AI at Studio Raine