AI-driven creative tools generally fall into two categories: prompt-based and parameter-based systems. Both produce generative results, but they differ in how users communicate intent to the machine.
Two Paths to Control
The Prompt-based system uses natural language to receive inputs from users. The user enters a descriptive text (such as “a piano melody in a minor key with a drifting rhythm”) and the model transforms this text into sound, images etc. Although this seems an easy way to express a wish for music or an image, it has a big disadvantage: The model needs to understand the text and the context very well to interpret the input correctly.
In comparison to the Prompt-based system, Parameter-based systems are controlled directly via numbers or logic. Users can modify parameters like tempo, pitch range, color saturation, using sliders or menus. These systems offer high precision and reproduceability. However they have the disadvantage of being less flexible than prompt-based systems and therefore cannot be used for free-form creations.
The Prompt-based systems support the creativity of the users, whereas the Parameter-based systems support technical refinement. Both forms of authoring have their own characteristics: The first is based upon descriptions; the second is based upon design.
Bridging the Two
Modern creative systems increasingly combine both methods. A user might write a prompt to set the concept, then fine-tune results through parameters. This hybrid model allows for broad imagination and detailed control within the same workflow.
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