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AI for Faculty and Staff: Prompt Engineering

Prompt Engineering Into

The most important variable when working with AI is selecting the right platform for the type of output you need. The second most important factor is the prompt. 

The prompt is a set of instructions or questions that tells the AI what output you want it to produce. Prompts can  range from a single sentence or question to a highly detailed set of directions. The more you understand prompt creation, often called prompt engineering, the smoother and more productive your interactions with AI will be.

CLEAR AI Prompt Creation Framework

  1. Concise: Prompts should be brief, clear, and to the point, eliminating unnecessary words or details so the AI model can focus on the core task.
  2. Logical: The information and instructions within the prompt should be structured in a coherent order with a natural progression between concepts, allowing the AI to better understand the context and produce a structured response.
  3. Explicit: Provide precise, unambiguous instructions regarding the desired output's format, content, scope, and tone. Clearly defining expectations reduces the likelihood of irrelevant or off-topic responses.
  4. Adaptive: Be flexible and willing to experiment with different prompts formulations. If the initial output isn't satisfactory, adapt the prompt by adding constraints, changing the persona, or providing more context to achieve the desired result.
  5. Reflective: Continuously evaluate both the AI-generated content and the prompt itself. Use the insight gained from assessing the output(e.g., accuracy, relevance) to refine your prompt engineering techniques for future interactions.

The first three elements help in crafting the initial prompt, while the adaptive and reflective steps guide the iterative process of information seeking and refinement.

Additional Tips for Prompt Creation

  1. Clear Instructions: Clearly articulate your request to the AI. Providing context will enhance the AI's understanding of the task at hand.
  2. Adopt a Persona: Indicate the persona or character that the AI should embody. This will help tailor the response to suit the intended audience effectively.
  3. Response Style: Indicate the format in which you would like the response delivered. Options may include a report, presentation, flowchart, or list.
  4. Output Form: Indicate the format in which you would like the response delivered. Options may include a report, presentation, flowchart, or list.
  5. Step-by-Step Instructions: Outline the necessary steps to complete the task in a clear and organized manner (e.g., Step 1, Step 2). This structured approach enhances clarity and comprehension.
  6. Provide Examples: Incorporate examples to illustrate your expectations and further clarify the task requirements.
  7. Specify Length: Indicated the desire length of the output, such as a specific number of paragraphs or bullet points, to assist the AI in tailoring its response appropriately. 

(List provided by Institute of Art, Design + Technology Dun Laoghaire Ireland)