Overview of new concept

 Purpose

The purpose of this prompt is to help provide an overview of a syllabus topic or concept which arises during class discussion or revision of unit materials. Generative AI tools can explain high-level and complex concepts in an immediate, digestible way to assist in your understanding of the topic. 

 Prompt

Note: The following prompts were tested with Microsoft Copilot for Web, but they are suitable for most language based generative AI tools. 

You are a first year Bachelor of Design student about to attend a lecture on Design Thinking. Outline the key ideas in "Principles of Design Thinking". Provide a summary in paragraphs. Write in short sentences, be concise.

Alternatives:

You are an expert university teacher of design thinking. Outline the key ideas in "Principles of Design Thinking". Provide a summary in paragraphs. Write in short sentences, be concise.

You are studying <DEGREE> in your <DEGREE YEAR> at The University of Sydney. Define <TOPIC> and list examples of <TOPIC>. Provide the response in a table. Write in short dot points, be concise.

You are studying <DEGREE> at a postgraduate level. Explain <TOPIC> in an essay form. Provide the response in paragraphs and highlight key concepts. Write with academic style writing. 

Follow-up prompts (optional):

Explain further in more depth.

Provide more examples.

I still don't understand. How would you explain <TOPIC> to a 10 year old?

 Explanation

This prompt gives the AI a role (e.g. first year business student), the task and requirements (explain a topic), and instructions (provide a summary in paragraphs). 

This is useful for pre-lecture preparation and other scenarios where a brief and basic understanding of a new concept is sought after. It will provide a short and succinct response that you can read through fairly quickly. If further explanation is required follow-up prompts can be used to seek more information. 

 Examples