Crafting ‘Fin’: The Inside Story of Naming Our Revolutionary AI Chatbot – Mistakes, Triumphs, and Insights

“When considering any product, particularly one as radical as our AI chatbot, the name becomes critical to perception and first impressions. This is particularly significant in an era where AI is increasingly being integrated into our daily lives. The name represents a connection point, a key component of the machine-human interaction. Yet deriving that perfect moniker is steeped in nuances, just ask Google, Isis Chocolate or Chevrolet Nova; they’ve all had their share of famed naming missteps ranging from cultural to linguistic blunders.

To sidestep such pitfalls, naming our AI product involved an exhaustive process and in-depth introspection. As the chatbot slowly took shape and demonstrated its capacity for interaction, we felt an emotional engagement brewing. It compelled the need for a name that not just designated, but resonated.

The quest for the apt name was long-winded and saw us traverse from exploring baby names to considering direct bot references. Sometimes, we even considered monikers that hinted knowledge and assistive roles. The latter were particularly tempting as our AI chatbot promises to significantly simplify user lives. Each time, however, we’d pause at some potential foible going against our selection.

The eureka moment arrived in the form of ‘Fin.’ Simple yet resonant, ‘Fin’ seemed tailor-made for our AI chatbot. It was short, easy to pronounce, evoking both friendliness and approachability. As a bonus, it is gender-neutral, thus ensuring universal appeal.

However, we understand how personal interactions can be. Using AI should not preclude this. Therefore, we are striving to let our customers customize Fin’s name, appearance, and tone, in line with our commitment to making AI more personal and relatable.

Even as we delved deep into ‘brand naming,’ we were acutely aware that the name, while important, is just an aspect of product development. Our crucial focus remained steadfast on delivering quality and utility. Although self-acclaimed AI enthusiasts, we maintain that an AI product’s true success lies in its ability to seamlessly blend with the user’s life and make a palpable difference.

To hear more about the intriguing journey that led to our cutting-edge AI product, ‘Fin,’ being so named, do tune into our ‘Inside Intercom’ podcast led by our VP of Product Design, Emmet Connolly and our VP of Corporate Marketing, Alyssa Smrekar. Trust us when we say, it’s a story worth a listen. You can find it over on iTunes, Spotify, or your favorite RSS feed. You won’t be disappointed!

Remember, an AI, just as any product, can excel only when it truly meets the customers’ needs. A thoughtful naming process is a key component of this delivery promise. It’s one of many steps in the long staircase that leads to product success in the field of artificial intelligence.”