Automating University Brochure Generation with AI

As part of my ongoing exploration of AI applications in real-world scenarios, I've recently developed a tool that automates the creation of university brochures using large language models (LLMs). This project is based on the materials from LLM Engineering course from Ed Donner.

This project showcases how AI can streamline content creation processes, potentially saving significant time and resources for educational institutions. Let me walk you through my experience and the potential implications of this technology.

The Challenge: Personalizing University Brochures at Scale

Universities often struggle with creating personalized, engaging brochures for prospective students. The process is typically time-consuming, requiring manual effort to tailor content for different programs, campuses, or student interests. My goal was to leverage AI to automate this process, making it faster and more efficient while maintaining a high level of personalization.

The Solution: An AI-Powered Brochure Generator

I developed a brochure generator in Python language that utilizes OpenAI's GPT models to generate customized university brochures. Here's a high-level overview of how it works:

1. User Input: The system takes in basic information about the university and the university website URL.
2. Finding Relevant Information: Using this input, the AI will scrape the website and find relevant links that might be helpful in creating a brochure. For example, links about programs, course fees, and campus are useful, whereas links about the Alumni program or Careers page are less relevant.
3. Content Generation: Based on these links, the AI will generate various sections of the brochure, including program descriptions, campus life details, and admission information.
4. Formatting: The generated content is then structured into a cohesive brochure format.

Technical Challenges

I have also added a few challenges to this exercise, making it more enjoyable to learn how to use multi-shot prompting and generate structured outputs.

• To use multi-shot prompting in making links to provide examples of what a program should look like (e.g. undergrad, postgrad)
• Add more instructions to provide the brochure in a particular format (for example, targeted to undergraduates versus experienced professionals looking for a career change versus academics who want to get PHDs)
• Add additional language capabilities (e.g. translate the entire brochure in a different language than English)

Below is an example of my attempt at multi-shot prompting in gathering relevant links.

Key Features and Benefits

Below are potential key features of this generator and benefits it can bring:

• Personalization: The AI can create unique content tailored to specific programs or student interests.
• Consistency: Ensures a uniform tone and style across all generated brochures.
• Efficiency: Significantly reduces the time needed to create multiple brochure variations.
• Scalability: Can easily produce brochures for numerous programs or campuses.

Potential Business Impact

This tool has several potential applications for universities and other educational institutions:

1. Resource Optimization: Marketing teams can focus on strategy rather than content creation.
2. Increased Engagement: Personalized brochures can lead to better student engagement and potentially higher enrollment rates.
3. Rapid Iteration: Easy to update and refine brochures based on new information or feedback.
4. Cost Reduction: Minimizes the need for extensive manual content creation and design work.

Challenges and Considerations

While the results are promising, it's important to note some challenges:

• Content Accuracy: AI-generated content should always be reviewed for accuracy and appropriateness.
• Maintaining Brand Voice: Ensuring the AI captures the unique voice and values of each institution.
• Data Privacy: Careful consideration of how student data is used in the personalization process.

Conclusion

The UniBrochureGenerator project demonstrates the practical application of AI in solving real-world business challenges. By automating the brochure creation process, universities can potentially enhance their marketing efforts, save resources, and provide more personalized information to prospective students.

As I continue to explore the intersection of AI and practical business solutions, I'm excited about the potential for similar applications across various industries. Stay tuned for more updates on my AI journey!

The full Python notebook for this project can be found here if you're interested in the technical details.