Speaker: Dr. Shenzhi Su, iFieldnotes
Wed 29nd January 12:00 – 13:00 UK time. This seminar will be held in person in Gilbert 1 and you can join us online via Microsoft Teams.
Abstract
In the past two years, Generative AI (GenAI) has rapidly transitioned from a novel concept to a widely used tool for engineering professionals. Despite its growing popularity, most users engage with GenAI through pre-built interfaces such as ChatGPT, which, while accessible, often limit the technology’s broader potential. These interfaces excel in ease of use but struggle with more complex, multi-step tasks and lack the scalability necessary for integration into professional workflows on a larger scale.
This presentation introduces a case study on iFieldnotes, a mobile app powered by OpenAI’s API, developed specifically for enhancing field note-taking in Architecture, Engineering and Construction. Field notes, which document observations and contextual details of a survey site, form the cornerstone of engineering analysis. The current practice often relies on pen and paper or generic note-taking apps, which are often ineffective and challenging due to site constraints. GenAI’s versatile capabilities offer a significant opportunity to address these issues by intelligently processing shorthand notes and multimedia files. Through this example, we explore how leveraging GenAI’s API functionality can unlock its capabilities on a system-wide level, helping the app achieve a crucial balance between customisation and scalability.
The core objective is to encourage professionals, educators and students to think beyond current user-friendly GenAI interfaces and consider the transformative potential of API-driven GenAI solutions. The presenter believes that applying GenAI APIs can revolutionise methodologies across engineering disciplines.
The app is available for download for free trial on the Google Play Store by searching for “iFieldnotes” or via the direct link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ifieldnotes.ifieldnotes.
Biography
Dr. Shenzhi Su obtained her Ph.D. in Building Acoustics from Edinburgh Napier University in 2009. After a brief period of research at the university, she joined Marshall Day Acoustics, where she provided acoustic consultancy for a dozen of high-profile performing arts projects. She subsequently served as the Chief Acoustician at Wanda Group, and as a Senior Consultant at the leading multidisciplinary engineering consultancy, Cundall, offering acoustic expertise for a diverse range of building projects. Currently, Dr. Su is founding iFieldnotes, an AI-powered field note-taking mobile app, which was shortlisted for the prestigious John Connell Innovation Award 2024. Dr. Su is passionate about innovating solutions for real-world problems.