Unlock Solutions with Generative AI

Tom Shaw

Software Developer and Digital Storyteller

AI can do a lot more than just creating funny images and voices, it can be used to improve automations and solve real-world problems. Discover the potential of AI with Tom Shaw as he explains how to use AI effectively in your work and personal life.

Creating Value with AI Tools

Unlock Solutions with Generative AI

11 mins 10 secs

Key learning objectives:

Understand how the current AI and machine learning concepts rely on predictive maths
Understand the importance of providing good input prompts when working with AI models
Identify some real-world use cases for AI
Learn how to use AI to enhance automation and improve efficiency

Overview:

AI is a very powerful tool and when used right, it can boost our productivity in many aspects of our personal and professional life. In this Step, Tom Shaw breaks down the basics of AI, explaining how it works and the importance of crafting good prompts. You'll learn how AI can enhance your life and work by automating tasks, saving time and energy. Tom uses the restaurant example again to explain how AI can improve automation.

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Summary

How does AI work?

First thing we need to understand is that AI is not a magical technology as it has been traditionally portrayed in the media. It is essentially computers using complex maths and detecting patterns. Computers need vast amounts of data to understand tasks and this is known as training data. This is because computers don't innately grasp concepts like we do. This data then enables AI to create predictive models, a process known as machine learning. Essentially, current AI tools are sophisticated mathematical models that predict outputs based on inputs.

What is the best way to write a prompt?

The effectiveness of a generative AI model largely depends on the quality of the prompt (input) provided. This principle is captured by the phrase "Garbage in, garbage out." A vague prompt can lead to subpar results. However, a detailed prompt will yield a more accurate and useful output. The key is to be specific and detailed in your instructions to get the best results from AI tools.

There are several popular AI tools that exist in the market today and each of them perform different tasks and functions, so always be sure which one is best suited for your needs.

How can AI be applied to real-world use cases?

AI is already making significant impacts in various fields:

Healthcare industry: Machine learning models help diagnose patients more quickly and accurately
Finance: AI detects fraudulent activities and suspicious transactions
Entertainment: Online entertainment platforms use AI for personalised recommendations, influencing a significant portion of viewership

In terms of your work or personal life, AI can assist in many areas:

Job applications: Use AI to craft customised cover letters quickly
Design: Tools like Photoshop AI or Midjourney can help create realistic visuals efficiently
Business: AI can analyse customer feedback to identify areas for improvement, enhancing business operations

How can AI be implemented in practical scenarios?

In a practical example, AI can be used to automate and personalise tasks. For instance, in a restaurant scenario, you can create an automation and use AI to send personalised thank-you emails to customers, based on information from their review. This process not only saves time but also ensures that communication feels genuine and tailored, rather than relying on generic templates. However, keep in mind that crafting effective prompts and choosing the right AI model are crucial for achieving the best results and managing costs with implementation of the automation.

The opinions and viewpoints expressed in this video are those of the creator and do not necessarily reflect the views of any affiliated organisations.

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Tom Shaw

Tom Shaw is a software developer with the mission to inspire as many people as possible to get into tech. He is also a content creator and has amassed a huge following on social media by providing practical and engaging tips on how to use code to further your productivity and career prospects. Tom focuses on making coding fun and shows how you can build efficient and fun solutions by showcasing how he builds his projects, what he gets up to as a developer. He has worked as a freelance software developer, building products and systems for clients all around the world that range from innovative startups to some of the biggest companies.

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