AI Theatre Detector

Sienda Ltd. Third Floor, 207 Regent St, London W1B 3HH, UK • Company No. 08194971

Not every AI proposal is nonsense. Some are useful, practical, and commercially serious.

Others are decorative fog: impressive language, vague promises, no data plan, no process map, no failure model, no implementation logic, and enough “transformation” to frighten a procurement department.

This short diagnostic helps you detect whether an AI proposal, product, consultant, or internal project is serious — or whether you are being invited to buy theatre.

This tool is a diagnostic aid. It does not provide legal, financial, investment or professional advice.

Learn more at sienda.co.uk and siendaweblines.com

Take this free test, provided courtesy of Sienda Ltd.

1. What are you assessing?

A specific AI vendor proposal

An AI consultant or agency offer

An internal AI project idea

An AI software product

A general AI claim, pitch, webinar, or sales page

2. Does the proposal clearly explain the business problem it solves?

Yes, clearly and specifically

Partly, but still vague

No, it mostly talks about AI in general

It promises transformation without defining the actual problem

3. Does it explain what data is needed?

Yes, it clearly explains the data required

Partly, but not enough

No, it ignores data quality, structure, and access

It says the AI will handle everything automatically

4. Does it distinguish between AI, automation, ordinary software, and workflow redesign?

Yes, the distinction is clear

Somewhat

No, everything is called AI

It uses AI as magic dust sprinkled over ordinary automation

5. Does it explain how the solution will integrate with existing tools, systems, files, staff, and workflows?

Yes, with practical detail

Only in general terms

No, integration is not explained

It suggests integration will somehow happen later, presumably by moonlight

6. Does it explain the human review process?

Yes, it clearly says who checks what

Partly

No, it gives no review model

It implies the AI will act autonomously without meaningful oversight

7. Does it explain failure cases, limitations, errors, hallucinations, or situations where AI should not be used?

Yes, clearly

A little

It presents the AI as reliable by default, which is adorable

8. Does it define measurable outcomes?

Yes: time saved, cost reduced, risk reduced, revenue improved, or quality improved

Partly, but the metrics are weak

No, it uses vague benefits

It promises efficiency, innovation, disruption, and probably eternal youth

9. Does it address privacy, security, confidentiality, and data governance?

Yes, seriously

Partly

No, barely or not at all

It says the platform is secure without explaining anything useful

10. Does it explain implementation effort, maintenance, staff training, and ongoing responsibility?

Yes, clearly

Somewhat

No, it mostly focuses on the exciting launch

It suggests the AI will simply run itself, like a tiny unpaid intern from the future

11. What kind of language does the proposal use?

Plain business language

Some jargon, but still understandable

Heavy jargon with unclear meaning

Agentic transformation synergy nonsense with a glossy hat

12. After reading or hearing the proposal, do you understand what will actually be built or delivered?

Yes, clearly

More or less

Not really

No, but I have been spiritually transformed by the word “AI”