Hey there! 👋

 Welcome back to an another DDC Weekly. This week we delve into a question most frequently asked so far in AI.

"What is Prompting and how to use Prompts in Gen-AI tools effectively?"

Here’s a summary of highlights, focusing on Prompt-less AI-assisted activities and foundational concepts first:

1. Evolution of Prompting in AI 

Prompting in generative AI refers to providing structured inputs to guide AI systems toward desired outputs. Rooted in machine learning and pattern recognition, prompting helps AI models like ChatGPT or Midjourney operate within specific boundaries. While traditionally done through code or rules, modern prompting uses natural language, bridging usability gaps between professionals and general users.

2. The "Sweet Spot" for Prompt Design

Effective prompting balances user input and system output, aligning with design principles for digital products. Over-reliance on prompting can reduce usability, similar to how Adobe Illustrator requires more expertise than Canva. The goal is to minimize user effort while maximizing AI utility, ensuring accessibility without compromising advanced functionality. 

3. Prompt-Less AI Activities 

Recording Meetings

Using Granola or Fathom to record meetings and use them to generate Summaries, Highlights, Key Video Clips, Actions, etc.

Data Format Conversions

Asking AI tools like Perplexity, Claude to convert existing data into another format (XLS, PDF, TXT, MD, JSON, etc)

Writing Analysis

Using tools like Claude or Grammarly to help you better your writing style, clarity, relevance and structure beyond just grammatical corrections.

Getting Specific News

Using tools like Perplexity or ChatGPT or Dot to catch up on recent happenings in a particular industry or topic or geography.

Exploring Words

Using tools like Perplexity or ChatGPT or Dot to ask meanings of specific words or synonyms/antonyms based on a letter or the origins of a word, etc.

Situational Book Summary

Using tools like Perplexity or ChatGPT or Dot to ask about a specific Book’s summary, it’s relevance to your context and aspects that you can use.

Travel Questions

Using tools like Perplexity or ChatGPT or Dot to ask about travel related questions on a particular place.

Asking with Pictures

Using tools like Perplexity or ChatGPT or Dot to ask about an unknown food item on a menu or unknown object through taking and attaching pictures to your question. 

Using as Randomiser

Using tools like Perplexity or ChatGPT or Dot to randomise a name or number or word based on your roll call.

Finding Facts

Using tools like Perplexity or ChatGPT or Dot to find factual information about something.

Prompting Yourself

Using tools like Perplexity or ChatGPT or Dot to make them ask you questions on a topic to help you extract your thoughts and write better.

Hope these things help you explore using AI tools in prompt-less ways. Catch you next week on the Prompting side.

Cheers,
Arjun