Adventures in AI

In the beginning…

It began with annoying hints in Visual Studio Code, but sometimes, those hints were what I was going to type. For the cost of a tab, I save 10+ keystrokes. Another cost may be in the copyright loss often associated with AI.

Then, AI output began to appear in search results when I was looking up math concepts to refresh my knowledge for assisting my daughter in their homework.

Finally, I used AI to mockup a specific looking photo image of a screen with a spreadsheet for an idea I had for a development competition. I submitted my application idea with the AI image initially, however, while it looked pretty, the text was all wrong in the spreadsheet. I used Sheets to generate the exact contents I needed for the image, created a PDF of the printed sheet and then commissioned a local artist to transform the flat spreadsheet to look like the reference image.

Claude

I used Claude to prototype a project (Autonomi Transaction Reporter). I reached roadblocks and had to start over numerous times, however I think I was getting better at getting the output that I wanted. I was able to make a rudementary solution in time for the competition deadline, however, I had already been disqualified due to an oveerexcited project supporter.

Base44

My daughter requested that I attend an event with her while dressed as the character Kinger from The Amazing Digital Circus. I needed to create a template that joins two cone segments to form the foundation of the head. I try with multiple online tools to generate the multi-page/bluebrint size frustums I need, ultimately I don’t succeed. I’m capable of drafting manually, but I am feeling this is an opportunity to try generating a bespoke app.

Base44 came up in a search result for AI app generator. My 127 word prompt generated an app in about 5 minutes. The print output of the first result was scaled wrong, so I generated an update, which produced something that looks correct but still had some render defects. However, it was close enough for my purpose. I did make changes to the settings for three different paper versions before cutting the final pattern in plastic mesh.

After hot-glueing the panels together, and then forming the joined cones, I then built-up the rest of the crown-hat solution, including the cross, in mesh. My initial intent of hot-glueing paper to the mesh was an instant NO! due to nearly burning my fingers on the first attempt. I have low durability requirements for this one-time use costume (maybe I sell it after?). I’m nearly $16 into my $40 budget, which must include a cape and optional gloves. So I find wide masking tape that fits the color of the character close enough and cover the mesh in vertical strips.