Alter

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  Alter UI

Headline

The burgeoning field of AI holds immense potential, but its power comes at a cost. Training and running complex models requires significant resources, leading to a two-tiered system: those who can afford the best and everyone else. This exacerbates existing inequalities and raises sustainability concerns. Alter is our solution to bridge this gap.

What it Does

Alter empowers users by acting as a bridge between them and the vast landscape of AI models. It analyzes user prompts, considering factors like:

Token Length: Longer prompts often require more sophisticated models. Task Complexity: Tasks like writing complex poems necessitate more powerful models compared to summarizing a short text snippet. Special characters denote complexity User Preferences (Future): Imagine users setting preferences for cost-efficiency or a specific level of accuracy. By analyzing these factors, Alter recommends the most suitable AI model for the user's needs. This not only reduces costs but also promotes sustainable AI practices by minimizing unnecessary resource consumption for simpler tasks.

How We Built It

Our initial prototype takes the form of a Chrome extension. We leverage heuristics to gauge the complexity of user prompts. Based on this assessment, Alter identifies the most appropriate model to "mock and use" within the extension itself. While this doesn't involve direct access to hundreds of AI models, it effectively simulates their functionality.

Challenges We Ran Into

Quantifying the environmental impact of AI models proved challenging. Financial cost is easier to measure, but it doesn't capture the full picture. As a temporary solution, Alter uses financial cost as a proxy for carbon footprint. We acknowledge this limitation and are actively exploring ways to incorporate more accurate sustainability metrics.

Accomplishments That We're Proud Of

This project represents a significant milestone for two reasons. First, it's my first Chrome extension, and the entire development process was a fantastic learning experience. Second, Alter signifies a critical step towards responsible AI development. It demonstrates how empowering users with the right tools can pave the way for a more inclusive and sustainable AI future.

What We Learned

AI accessibility goes beyond technical limitations. It's a complex issue interwoven with social and environmental ramifications. Developing AI responsibly requires a shift from solely focusing on technological advancements to creating solutions that address these broader concerns. This project underscored the need for intermediaries like Alter, which can bridge the gap between powerful AI models and everyday users.

What's Next for Alter

Alter's current iteration is a stepping stone. We envision a future where platforms like Google's Model Garden become user-centric and readily accessible. The democratization of AI models should be a core principle, not an afterthought. Our ultimate goal is to create a world where everyone, regardless of background or resources, can leverage the power of AI for their personal and professional needs.

Built With

• chrome
• css3
• devtools
• html5
• javascript