Expand a one line thought into detailed outcome using your AI assistant
Introduction
Have you ever had a challenge in
(a) Expanding a idea into details
(b) Break down a complex task into more manageable chunks
(c) Deep dive into a topic step by step, but not sure what those steps are and their sequence and priority
The following set of prompt (engineering) patterns provide you a structured and iterative way to expand ideas, create detailed outlines, and guide your AI assistant (ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude..) towards a comprehensive final piece of content.
(a) Outline Expansion Pattern
(b) Flipped Interaction Pattern
(c) Receipt Pattern
Lets’ deep dive into them.
Outline Expansion Pattern
Template
“Serve as an outline enhancer.
Produce an initial outline based on the input that I give you, and then let me choose a section to expand.
Elaborate on that section with a new outline, and ask which part I want to delve into next.”
The core elements of the above pattern:
Role Definition: “Serve as an outline enhancer.” This instructs the AI to take on a specific role as a tool for expanding outlines.
Initial Task: “Produce an initial outline based on the input that I give you…” This sets the initial goal for the AI–creating a basic outline from your provided input.
Iterative Loop: “…and then let me choose a section to expand. Elaborate on that section with a new outline” This establishes a feedback loop where you progressively refine and expand the outline.
Prompt for Input: ” …and ask which part I want to delve into next.” This ensures the process continues by the AI prompting you for further input to drive the next cycle of the process.
Lets see and examples
Flipped Interaction Pattern
Template
Goal – I want to achieve X. To do this, please ask me questions.
Steps – Ask me questions until condition Y is met. This will help us achieve the goal.
Verification & Guidance – Let’s go through this in a structured way. Ask me questions one at a time.
Here are a few different ways to frame the same concept, each with a slightly different emphasis:
- Guided Inquiry: “I’m working on X. I need some insights to make it better. Can you interview me about this to identify areas for improvement?“
- Coaching Approach: “I’m trying to accomplish X. Can you act as my thought partner and ask me questions to help me refine my approach?”
- Creative Brainstorming: “Let’s brainstorm ideas to achieve X. You ask the questions, and I’ll provide the details. See where this takes us!“
Lets see and examples
Coding Domain:
“My goal is to develop a robust, user-friendly mobile app that helps users manage their daily tasks efficiently. I encourage you to ask questions to help clarify the scope and design of the project.
Please continue to ask questions until we have thoroughly defined all functional requirements and user interface elements, ensuring that our development efforts align closely with user needs and preferences.
Let’s proceed methodically. Start by asking questions about the user interface, then we can move on to discuss the backend functionalities one by one. This will help us cover all critical aspects without overlooking any details.“
Marketing Domain:
“My goal is to launch a successful marketing campaign for our new line of eco-friendly products. I welcome your questions to better define our target audience and key messaging strategies.
Please keep asking questions until we have fully identified the most effective channels, key performance indicators (KPIs), and creative concepts that will resonate with our target demographic. This ensures our campaign will be strategically aligned and impactful.
Let’s address this step-by-step. Begin with questions about our target audience’s preferences and behaviors. Next, we can discuss the marketing channels, followed by brainstorming session on creative concepts. This orderly approach will help us craft a cohesive and effective campaign.“
Receipt Pattern
Template
Goal: I want to achieve X.
Known Steps: I believe the process involves A, B, and C.
Verification & Guidance:
-Please validate whether these steps are correct and in the right order.
-Identify any missing steps.
-Provide detailed instructions or resources for each step.
Optimization (Optional): Help me streamline the process by identifying unnecessary steps or potential shortcuts.
Lets see and examples
Buying a new hose:
“I want to purchase a house.
I believe the process involves getting a mortgage, finding a house, and making an offer.
Please validate whether these steps are correct and in the right order.
Identify any missing steps.
Provide detailed instructions or resources for each step.
Help me streamline the process by identifying unnecessary steps or potential shortcuts.“
Marketing Domain:
“I want to use Instagram to promote my products and reach new customers.
I believe the process involves setting up an Instagram business profile, creating engaging posts, and maybe running advertisements.
Please validate whether these steps are correct and in the right order.
Identify any missing steps.
Provide detailed instructions or resources for each step. (Example: Are there specific hashtag strategies I should be aware of?)
Help me streamline the process by identifying unnecessary steps or potential shortcuts. Are there tools I can use to simplify things?“
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