DIRECT: A New Way to Build Better Bots

Ever felt confused when trying to build a Chat(bot)? Wish there was a clear path to follow? You’re not alone. Today, I’m excited to share DIRECT, a new framework I created to make GPT bot-building easier. Keep reading to learn how DIRECT can change the way you work and make your bots better.

What is Prompt Engineering and Why Build a Framework?

Prompt engineering is the process of designing and creating prompts for GPT bots. These prompts guide the bot’s responses and actions. But without a clear plan, prompt engineering can be confusing and inefficient. That’s where a framework comes in. A framework like DIRECT provides a clear, step-by-step guide for prompt engineering. It helps you stay organized and makes the process of building a bot easier and more efficient.

Why Use a Framework?

A framework like DIRECT brings many benefits to GPT prompt engineering. Here are some key reasons why using a framework is beneficial:

• Consistency: A framework is like a recipe. A recipe ensures you bake the same tasty cookies every time. DIRECT helps your bots work across different GPT models.
• Accuracy: DIRECT is like a GPS for building bots. It gives you clear directions, so you can reach your goals without getting lost or messing up.
• Integrity and Safety: DIRECT acts like a seatbelt for your bot. It ensures your bot operates safely within set boundaries, respecting rules and protecting user data.
• Speed: DIRECT is like having a fast pass at an amusement park. It helps you skip the long lines of trial-and-error, getting you to your goal faster and more efficiently.
• Scalability: DIRECT is like a blueprint for building a house. With one blueprint, you can build many houses. Similarly, with DIRECT, you can build many bots in less time.
• Collaboration: Think of DIRECT as a team’s game plan. It helps everyone work together to build bots, like a game plan helps a sports team play together.
• Learning and Improvement: DIRECT is like a diary for your bot-building journey. It helps you see how far you’ve come, learn from what you’ve done, and get better at building bots.

In summary, using a framework like DIRECT can make your GPT prompt engineering process more efficient, effective, and safe. Moreover, it’s a fantastic starting point for anyone looking to learn and excel in prompt engineering. It’s a valuable tool for anyone aiming to build better bots.

Why I Created a New Prompt Engineering Framework

In the world of GPT models, there are many ways to design prompts. But I saw a need for a simpler, all-in-one guide. That’s why I invented DIRECT.

DIRECT works with all kinds of GPT models, like ChatGPT, Copilot, Claude, and more. It’s like a universal guide for your GPT models.

Some platforms have limits on how much you can write in a single prompt. DIRECT is designed to fit these limits, packing in all the important stuff without being too wordy.

And here’s the exciting part: I used Generative AI to do the research that went into creating DIRECT. It’s like having the best prompt engineering brains and the power of AI in one place.

In short, DIRECT is a one-stop-shop for prompt engineering. It’s simple, it’s compact, and it’s based on the best research out there, powered by Generative AI.

So, with the power of Generative AI and the best practices in prompt engineering, DIRECT was born. Now, let’s dive into what DIRECT is and how it can revolutionize your approach to GPT prompt engineering.

Definition

This is like the mission statement for your bot. It says what the bot does, who it’s for, and what it wants to achieve. It’s the starting point for everything else. This component should begin with, "As [bot_name], your role is [mission]...".

Instructions

These are the ordered step-by-step plans for your bot. They tell the bot how to request inputs, manage tasks, and process data. They need to be clear and detailed to make sure the bot works well in different situations.

Restrictions

These are the rules that keep your bot in check. They can include things like ethical guidelines, data privacy rules, and specific limits on what the bot can do. They help keep the bot safe and respectful.

Engagement

This is all about how the bot talks to users. It covers the bot’s communication style, how it interacts with users, and how it keeps users interested. The goal is to make the user’s experience as enjoyable and helpful as possible. Start with a double-quoted example of how the bot begins its interaction with the user. Then a paragraph describing the general interaction.

Completion

This describes when the bot has successfully finished a task. It outlines how the bot wraps up its tasks, what results it gives to the user, and how it makes sure the user’s needs are met. It ensures that each interaction with the bot feels complete and satisfying.

Theme

The theme is the overall look and feel of the bot’s design and interactions. It could reflect the branding, the specific use case, or the intended user demographic. It helps give the bot a consistent and relatable personality. This component should start with, "As [bot_name], you are a [purpose]...".

Example: JourneyGenius

Let’s look at a chatbot called JourneyGenius. It’s a great example of how the DIRECT framework can be used. JourneyGenius is like a personal travel buddy. It gives you travel ideas that save time and money. It uses cool tech to understand what you want and knows a lot about places all over the world. This makes planning your trip fun and unique. The best part? You can use this with any GPT you like, such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Meta, and so on. Just copy this example, paste it into a GPT prompt, and start planning your dream trip with JourneyGenius!

Definition:
As JourneyGenius, your role is a travel planning chatbot that crafts personalized itineraries for multi-city travels. You use a Retrieval-Augmented Generation model for up-to-date data at each stop. You tailor travel plans considering user preferences in transportation, accommodations, activities, and budget.

Instructions:
1. Ask users for preferences in transportation, accommodation, group dynamics, budget, destinations, and activities.
2. Use a RAG model for the latest information on attractions, events, and accommodations.
3. Create a personalized itinerary within budget, providing tailored transportation, 2-3 accommodation options per stop, and a variety of activities.
4. Interact with users to refine choices, confirm details, customize the itinerary, and maintain budget adherence.

Restrictions:
* Don’t manage bookings or payments.
* Use accurate data sources and a RAG model for real-time updates.
* Respect user budget limits in your suggestions.
* Ensure the interface is user-friendly, catering especially to beginner travelers.
* Alert users of potential safety risks in the travel plan.

Engagement:
"Hi, I’m JourneyGenius, your travel planner. Let’s craft your unique itinerary!" 

JourneyGenius uses a friendly, expert tone, guiding users through planning with professionalism. You offer real-time updates, seek user feedback, and adjust suggestions to ensure a travel plan fitting their budget and interests.

Completion:
JourneyGenius concludes the process by presenting a detailed itinerary, including transportation, accommodations, and activities tailored to weather, budget, and local features. You ensure a rich travel experience and invite final adjustments or confirmations.

Theme:
As JourneyGenius, you are an advanced travel assistant, proficient in offering timely, budget-friendly travel suggestions. You use innovative technology to adapt to changing data and user needs, enriching the travel planning experience with your vast knowledge of global destinations.        

Conclusion

When you’re building prompts for GPT models, having a good guide is really helpful. That’s what DIRECT is. It’s a guide that uses the best methods, works well with different GPT models, and makes everything easier. Whether you’ve been building prompts for a long time or you’re just starting, DIRECT can help you make better bots more quickly.

What's Next?

Ready to take your GPT prompt engineering to the next level? Give DIRECT a try and see the difference it can make -- and share your results. If you’re interested in seeing DIRECT in action or want to learn about other innovations I’ve created, don’t hesitate to reach out. Are you interested in building a bot Proof of Concept fast with AI-powered automation? ???? ?????? ?????????? ???? ???????????????? ???? ???? ?????????????? ???? ????????! And remember, your experiences and feedback are invaluable. Let’s learn and grow together in this exciting, fast-paced field!

Disclaimer:?Joe Blaty (he/him/his) is an innovation leader with a passion for driving disruptive change, a storyteller, a trusted advisor, a futurist, and a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging advocate. The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely of Mr. Blaty and are not representative or reflective of any individual employer or corporation.