Prompt Prototype Sheet
The AI solution’s behaviour written down and tried out
- PhasePrototype
- Group2 to 6 people
- Time60 minutes
- SettingRoom or remote
- ExecutivesNo
What it is
A prompt prototype sheet writes down the behaviour of the AI solution on paper: the role it plays, what it may and must never do, the information it needs, the format of every answer, how it shows confidence, when it hands over, and a set of test questions with expected answers.
When to use it
When you need to write down how the AI solution should behave, so a person can play it or a general AI assistant can try it.
When to skip it
When the task and the people are not yet clear. Return to Frame.
How to run it
- 10 minState the role of the AI solution and its one task.
- 15 minWrite the rules: what it must do, what it must never do, when it is unsure, and when it hands over to a person.
- 20 minWrite six test inputs, including two hard ones.
- 15 minTry them in a general AI assistant using synthetic data. Note where the behaviour fails.
About 60 minutes of method time. Add ten to fifteen minutes to open and close the session.
What to watch for
Long instructions with no test cases. No rule for what to do when unsure. Real or confidential data in the tests.
The AI lens
Start from a pattern in the Prompt Library. Add a rule for when the AI solution is unsure, and one for the hand-over to a person.
What you leave with
The written behaviour of the AI solution, tried out against six test inputs.
An example
A sheet for an assistant that helps agents answer billing queries includes five test questions. One tests a question the assistant must refuse, and the expected answer is a handover to a person.
How it compares
The Prompt Prototype Sheet specifies the behaviour. A Hand-Simulated AI Session tests it with people.
Related methods
Questions
What is Prompt Prototype Sheet?
A prompt prototype sheet writes down the behaviour of the AI solution on paper: the role it plays, what it may and must never do, the information it needs, the format of every answer, how it shows confidence, when it hands over, and a set of test questions with expected answers.
When should I use Prompt Prototype Sheet?
When you need to write down how the AI solution should behave, so a person can play it or a general AI assistant can try it.
How long does Prompt Prototype Sheet take and how many people do I need?
Prompt Prototype Sheet takes about 60 minutes and suits 2 to 6 people, plus a facilitator. Add ten to fifteen minutes to open and close the session.
How is Prompt Prototype Sheet different from other methods?
The Prompt Prototype Sheet specifies the behaviour. A Hand-Simulated AI Session tests it with people.
Can I run Prompt Prototype Sheet remotely or with executives?
Yes. Prompt Prototype Sheet works in the room or remotely. Remotely, put the canvas on a shared board in advance and write silently in the board, not in chat. Executives: No, run it with the working team.