How to Use the Task Questionnaire for More Accurate AI Results

To achieve a truly unique and functional landscape design with FormSpace artificial intelligence, the key step is to complete the task questionnaire as thoroughly and accurately as possible. The more details you provide, the better the AI will understand your needs and offer solutions perfectly suited to your plot and lifestyle.

Why Detail is Important in the Questionnaire

Artificial intelligence, despite its advancement, operates on the principle of "garbage in — garbage out." If you enter general phrases like "I want something beautiful" or "I need a relaxation area," the AI will generate standard, averaged concepts that may not reflect your true desires. Detail allows the AI not just to find similar elements, but to understand their interrelationship, functional purpose, and aesthetic preferences. For example, the request "a playground for children aged 3-7 with swings, a sandbox, and a trampoline" will yield a much more relevant result than simply "a playground." This allows the AI to suggest not only the elements themselves but also their optimal placement, considering safety and convenience, possibly even suggesting to include one of the 5 non-obvious zones worth adding to your plot.

Main Sections of the Questionnaire and How to Fill Them Out

Effective completion of the questionnaire requires attention to each section:

1. General Plot Information

Specify the exact dimensions of the plot in ares or square meters. Note its shape (rectangular, L-shaped, irregular). Be sure to describe the terrain features: presence of slopes, ravines, or if it's flat. This is critically important, as the AI will consider this data when zoning and selecting plants. For example, a plot with a 1.5-meter slope over a 10-meter length will require terracing or the creation of retaining walls.

2. Functional Zones

List all the zones you want to see on the plot and indicate their approximate dimensions. Instead of "BBQ area," write "BBQ area 3x4 meters with a canopy and space for a table for 6 people." For a vegetable garden, specify "vegetable garden 2 ares with beds for vegetables and berries." The more specific, the better. Note what is a higher priority for you: a quiet reading nook, an active sports zone, or a spacious lawn.

3. Style and Preferences

Be specific in describing the desired style: "modern minimalism with clean lines and coniferous plants," "classic English garden with roses and winding paths," "Mediterranean style with terracotta elements." Avoid vague definitions. You can even refer to examples you've seen in other FormSpace projects or articles, for instance, describe the atmosphere, like in 10 photos of plots you'll want to revisit thrice.

4. Plants and Materials

Describe your plant preferences: "many conifers, few flowering plants," "fruit garden," "decorative shrubs." Specify desired materials for paths (tiles, gravel, wood), terraces (decking, stone), fences. This will help the AI select appropriate textures and palettes.

5. Features and Limitations

Be sure to indicate all existing objects (house, garage, bathhouse), utilities (well, septic tank), as well as trees you wish to preserve. Note the cardinal directions, wind loads, shady and sunny areas. For example, if there's a large old oak tree in the northern part of the plot that creates shade, the AI will take this into account when planning zones that require sun.

Common Mistakes When Filling Out the Questionnaire

To avoid disappointment, consider common pitfalls:

• Lack of specificity: The most common mistake. Requests like "I want cozy" or "lots of greenery" are too abstract. Clarify what "cozy" means to you: a gazebo with soft furniture, a fire pit, a small fountain? Which specific "green" plants do you prefer?
• Contradictory requests: For example, "I want a large lawn for active games" and "I don't want to spend much time on maintenance." The AI will try to find a compromise, but the result may be far from ideal. Clearly prioritize.
• Ignoring limitations: Forgot to mention that a gas pipe runs through the plot, or that the soil is very poor. This can lead to suggestions that are impossible to implement without significant costs or changes. A common mistake is not specifying the presence of underground utilities or old trees you wish to preserve. This could lead the AI to suggest placing a structure or path directly over them, which would require costly rework.
• Trying to fit everything on a small plot: The desire to have a pool, a vegetable garden, and a large garden all on 6 ares often leads to an overcrowded and non-functional design. Be realistic about your expectations regarding the area.

How AI Interprets Your Answers

When you fill out the questionnaire, FormSpace AI analyzes every word and number, comparing them with an extensive database of landscape solutions, styles, plants, and functional elements. It looks for interconnections between your preferences. For example, if you specified "modern minimalism" and "coniferous plants," the AI will select concepts from its database that combine these parameters, offering strict forms, monochrome palettes, and plants that do not require complex care. Numerical values, such as zone sizes or plot slope, are used to calculate proportions and select appropriate engineering solutions. The AI attempts not just to find elements, but to assemble them into a harmonious and functional system, considering the logic and laws of landscape design.

Practical Tips for Formulating Requests

To maximize the potential of AI, follow these recommendations:

1. Use lists: Instead of continuous text, list desired elements and zones point by point. This will make it easier for the AI to structure the information.
2. Specify dimensions: For each zone or object, where possible, provide approximate dimensions. For example, if you want a BBQ area, specify its approximate size – for instance, 3x4 meters, so the AI can allocate adequate space for it and consider a safe distance from buildings.
3. Describe the atmosphere: In addition to functions, describe the atmosphere you want to create: "a quiet corner for meditation," "a lively party zone," "a garden where you can walk barefoot."
4. Refer to examples: If you have specific photos or ideas from the internet, describe them in words. For example, "I want a terrace like the one in the loft-style photo with concrete elements."
5. Specify details: For a children's playground, don't forget to specify the age of the children and the desired set of elements – swings, sandbox, trampoline. For toddlers up to 5 years old, 10-15 m² of safe zone is sufficient. If you want to create a cozy atmosphere for evening gatherings, you can specify in the questionnaire "decorative lighting, string lights, built-in path lighting required," which the AI will consider when generating the concept, possibly inspired by 12 unexpected lighting ideas for a country plot.

How to Plan in FormSpace

FormSpace provides powerful tools for landscape planning, and the AI concept questionnaire (module 2.1) is your guide to the world of individual design. The process begins with you uploading a scheme or photo of your plot (using module 3.1 "Design by Photo" or module 1.x for creating a basic plan/zoning/objects) so that the AI has visual context. After this, you proceed to fill out the task questionnaire for module 2.1 AI concept.

Imagine you have a 15-are plot with a slight slope in the eastern part. You want a modern garden focused on relaxation and minimal maintenance. In the questionnaire, you specify: "Plot 15 ares, rectangular shape. There is a 0.8-meter slope over 12 meters in length in the eastern part. I want a modern minimalist style. Functional zones: large terrace 5x4 meters with a pergola, BBQ area 3x3 meters, a small decorative pond, a lawn for relaxation, fruit bushes along the fence. I do not want tall fruit trees. Paths made of large-format tiles. I prefer coniferous plants and grasses. Lighting must be provided." FormSpace AI, based on this data, will generate several concept options, considering the terrain, your style and functional preferences, and will also suggest the optimal placement of all elements. You can choose the most suitable option and refine it in the FormSpace editor, adjusting details, adding or removing objects, changing materials and plants until you get the ideal plan.

FAQ

What if I don't know the exact dimensions or stylistic preferences?

Don't worry if you don't know the exact dimensions of each element or can't clearly articulate the style. Provide approximate data and describe your feelings: "I want a spacious lawn," "I prefer natural materials." The AI will still be able to work, but the result will be more general, and you may need more time for refinement in the editor. You can always clarify during the editing stage, and most importantly, specify at least the approximate area of the plot in ares.

Can I change the result if I don't like it?

Yes, the generated concepts serve as a starting point, not a final product. You can adjust them, move elements, change plants and materials in the FormSpace editor. This is an iterative process: the AI suggests ideas, and you refine them until you get the ideal result for yourself. This gives you full control over the final design.

How to avoid overly "standard" solutions from AI?

Maximize the detail of your unique wishes and preferences in the questionnaire. Add unusual elements, specific functions, or references to styles you like. The more unique information you provide, the less likely you are to get a "typical" project, and the more personalized the result will be. Be creative in your requests.

Does AI consider my budget when generating concepts?

Directly, AI does not operate with a monetary budget, but the choice of materials and complexity of elements in the questionnaire can indirectly influence it. For example, a request for "simple gravel paths" instead of "natural stone paving" already sets a certain tone and helps the AI suggest more economical solutions. If you specify "minimal maintenance," the AI will propose plants and coverings that do not require significant time or financial investment.

Can I upload my photo references to the questionnaire?

In the current version of the AI concept questionnaire (module 2.1), direct upload of photo references for each item is not provided. However, you can upload general photos of your plot in module 3.1 "Design by Photo," and the AI will consider the visual context when generating ideas, creating a design that harmonizes with the existing landscape and buildings. This will help the AI better understand your plot.

What if my plot has complex terrain?

Be sure to indicate all terrain features in the questionnaire: slope, presence of ravines, elevation changes, existing terraces. FormSpace AI is specifically designed to work with complex plots and will strive to offer solutions that either utilize these features as a design element (e.g., multi-level zoning) or mitigate them by proposing suitable engineering solutions, such as retaining walls or steps.

Does AI consider regional climatic features?

While there isn't a direct field in the questionnaire to specify the region, you can indirectly convey this information through your plant choices. For example, if you specify "I prefer frost-resistant conifers" or "I want drought-tolerant plants," the AI will consider this when selecting species. Also, describing wind loads or the level of solar insolation will help the AI suggest suitable solutions for your climate.

Detailed completion of the task questionnaire is the first and most important step towards creating the landscape of your dreams. Don't be afraid to be specific and express your boldest ideas. Try FormSpace today to see how your desires are transformed into thoughtful and beautiful design concepts.