PAGE 1 OF 3 • PLAN

Give ChatGPT something worth building

Your most useful first instruction is what the learner needs to understand.

A model with a teaching purpose

Imagine teaching how a robot picks up an object. A still picture shows the parts. A sequence can show why the jaws must close before lifting, and why the object must be supported before release. Decide which of those ideas your model needs to explain.

Our robot was built in stages: a stationary mounting plate and base, a rotating yellow turret, a blue arm with a shoulder joint, and a green gripper for an orange cylinder. The two supports provided pickup and placement positions. We checked each addition before asking for the next.

Early concept showing a blue forked arm attached to a yellow turret with a pivot pin
An early PNG proposal. Treat it as a question to review, not a finished engineering drawing.

Start with a small brief

The following is reusable prompt wording based on our workflow, rather than a transcript of the original chat. Replace the object and learning purpose with your own.

I teach [subject] to [learners]. They need to understand [one process or relationship]. Help me create a simple 3D model for desktop PowerPoint. Start with [the first part]. Use contrasting colours so the parts are easy to identify. Before creating the GLB, show me a PNG proposal and explain the arrangement. Wait for my corrections before building the file.

Specify appearance and behaviour separately

  • Appearance: name the parts, colours, connections and important proportions.
  • Behaviour: identify what stays fixed, what moves, the direction of travel and the order of actions.
  • Delivery: ask for an actual downloadable, self-contained .glb file suitable for testing in PowerPoint, with any required materials included.

A PNG is an image used to discuss the design. A GLB carries the 3D scene and may also carry animation. Approving the picture does not automatically turn it into a model; the model still has to be constructed.

Build a manageable first stage

For our robot, the base was a sensible starting point. We could check the stationary parts and turret rotation before introducing the shoulder. Keep each working version. A clear filename such as robot_base_v2.glb makes it easier to return to a known working stage.

When asking for movement, describe it plainly. “Keep the mounting plate still while the yellow turret rotates a quarter turn, pauses and returns” is easier to check than “make it realistic”. Ask ChatGPT to explain anything it has assumed.

Your first task

Choose one concept from your own teaching. Write a two-sentence brief: who needs to understand it, and what the model will help them see. Then list the smallest set of parts needed. Begin with that version rather than a complete machine.

Check your understanding — Does approving the PNG prove the GLB will work?

No. It confirms the proposed appearance and arrangement. You must still inspect the actual 3D geometry and test the animation in the intended software.

Last modified: Thursday, 29 October 2026, 11:19 AM