@ckelsoe/prompt-architect 3.0.2 → 3.2.0

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Files changed (76) hide show
  1. package/.claude-plugin/marketplace.json +1 -1
  2. package/.claude-plugin/plugin.json +1 -1
  3. package/CHANGELOG.md +264 -264
  4. package/LICENSE +21 -21
  5. package/README.md +1064 -1184
  6. package/adapters/README.md +75 -267
  7. package/adapters/for-windsurf.md +136 -136
  8. package/adapters/system-prompt.md +243 -243
  9. package/package.json +139 -138
  10. package/scripts/build-skill.js +64 -0
  11. package/scripts/install.js +4 -54
  12. package/scripts/test.js +205 -213
  13. package/scripts/validate-skill.js +350 -350
  14. package/skills/prompt-architect/SKILL.md +343 -331
  15. package/skills/prompt-architect/assets/templates/ape_template.txt +5 -5
  16. package/skills/prompt-architect/assets/templates/bab_template.txt +15 -15
  17. package/skills/prompt-architect/assets/templates/broke_template.txt +15 -15
  18. package/skills/prompt-architect/assets/templates/cai-critique-revise_template.txt +18 -18
  19. package/skills/prompt-architect/assets/templates/care_template.txt +16 -16
  20. package/skills/prompt-architect/assets/templates/chain-of-density_template.txt +46 -46
  21. package/skills/prompt-architect/assets/templates/chain-of-thought_template.txt +49 -49
  22. package/skills/prompt-architect/assets/templates/co-star_template.txt +17 -17
  23. package/skills/prompt-architect/assets/templates/crispe_template.txt +14 -14
  24. package/skills/prompt-architect/assets/templates/ctf_template.txt +15 -15
  25. package/skills/prompt-architect/assets/templates/devils-advocate_template.txt +25 -25
  26. package/skills/prompt-architect/assets/templates/hybrid_template.txt +101 -101
  27. package/skills/prompt-architect/assets/templates/least-to-most_template.txt +16 -16
  28. package/skills/prompt-architect/assets/templates/plan-and-solve_template.txt +7 -7
  29. package/skills/prompt-architect/assets/templates/pre-mortem_template.txt +27 -27
  30. package/skills/prompt-architect/assets/templates/race_template.txt +19 -19
  31. package/skills/prompt-architect/assets/templates/rcot_template.txt +31 -31
  32. package/skills/prompt-architect/assets/templates/react_template.txt +27 -27
  33. package/skills/prompt-architect/assets/templates/reverse-role_template.txt +11 -11
  34. package/skills/prompt-architect/assets/templates/rise-ie_template.txt +23 -23
  35. package/skills/prompt-architect/assets/templates/rise-ix_template.txt +28 -28
  36. package/skills/prompt-architect/assets/templates/risen_template.txt +21 -21
  37. package/skills/prompt-architect/assets/templates/rpef_template.txt +26 -26
  38. package/skills/prompt-architect/assets/templates/rtf_template.txt +13 -13
  39. package/skills/prompt-architect/assets/templates/self-refine_template.txt +16 -16
  40. package/skills/prompt-architect/assets/templates/skeleton-of-thought_template.txt +15 -15
  41. package/skills/prompt-architect/assets/templates/step-back_template.txt +10 -10
  42. package/skills/prompt-architect/assets/templates/tidd-ec_template.txt +45 -45
  43. package/skills/prompt-architect/assets/templates/tree-of-thought_template.txt +30 -30
  44. package/skills/prompt-architect/references/frameworks/ape.md +200 -200
  45. package/skills/prompt-architect/references/frameworks/bab.md +242 -242
  46. package/skills/prompt-architect/references/frameworks/broke.md +242 -242
  47. package/skills/prompt-architect/references/frameworks/cai-critique-revise.md +230 -230
  48. package/skills/prompt-architect/references/frameworks/care.md +235 -235
  49. package/skills/prompt-architect/references/frameworks/chain-of-density.md +479 -479
  50. package/skills/prompt-architect/references/frameworks/chain-of-thought.md +424 -424
  51. package/skills/prompt-architect/references/frameworks/co-star.md +256 -256
  52. package/skills/prompt-architect/references/frameworks/crispe.md +253 -253
  53. package/skills/prompt-architect/references/frameworks/ctf.md +207 -207
  54. package/skills/prompt-architect/references/frameworks/devils-advocate.md +206 -206
  55. package/skills/prompt-architect/references/frameworks/least-to-most.md +226 -226
  56. package/skills/prompt-architect/references/frameworks/plan-and-solve.md +210 -210
  57. package/skills/prompt-architect/references/frameworks/pre-mortem.md +197 -197
  58. package/skills/prompt-architect/references/frameworks/race.md +243 -243
  59. package/skills/prompt-architect/references/frameworks/rcot.md +203 -203
  60. package/skills/prompt-architect/references/frameworks/react.md +304 -304
  61. package/skills/prompt-architect/references/frameworks/reverse-role.md +189 -189
  62. package/skills/prompt-architect/references/frameworks/rise.md +555 -555
  63. package/skills/prompt-architect/references/frameworks/risen.md +297 -297
  64. package/skills/prompt-architect/references/frameworks/rpef.md +195 -195
  65. package/skills/prompt-architect/references/frameworks/rtf.md +358 -358
  66. package/skills/prompt-architect/references/frameworks/self-refine.md +205 -205
  67. package/skills/prompt-architect/references/frameworks/skeleton-of-thought.md +186 -186
  68. package/skills/prompt-architect/references/frameworks/step-back.md +206 -206
  69. package/skills/prompt-architect/references/frameworks/tidd-ec.md +470 -470
  70. package/skills/prompt-architect/references/frameworks/tree-of-thought.md +260 -260
  71. package/skills/prompt-architect/scripts/framework_analyzer.py +807 -807
  72. package/skills/prompt-architect/scripts/prompt_evaluator.py +336 -336
  73. package/adapters/for-cursor.mdc +0 -138
  74. package/adapters/for-gemini-cli.md +0 -70
  75. package/adapters/for-github-copilot.md +0 -141
  76. package/adapters/for-openai-codex-cli.md +0 -158
package/README.md CHANGED
@@ -1,1184 +1,1064 @@
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- # Claude Code Skill: Prompt Architect
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-
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- Transform vague prompts into expert-level, structured prompts using 27 research-backed frameworks across 7 intent categories.
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-
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- A comprehensive skill that analyzes, architects, and iteratively refines prompts through systematic framework application and guided dialogue.
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-
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- [![License: MIT](https://img.shields.io/badge/License-MIT-yellow.svg)](https://opensource.org/licenses/MIT)
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-
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- ---
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-
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- ## Table of Contents
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-
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- - [Overview](#overview)
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- - [Key Features](#key-features)
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- - [Example Transformation](#example-transformation)
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- - [Supported Frameworks](#supported-frameworks)
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- - [Quick Start](#quick-start)
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- - [Installation](#installation)
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- - [Usage](#usage)
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- - [Framework Selection Guide](#framework-selection-guide)
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- - [Project Structure](#project-structure)
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- - [Documentation](#documentation)
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- - [Contributing](#contributing)
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- - [License](#license)
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-
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- ---
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-
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- ## Overview
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-
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- Prompt Architect is a production-ready Claude Code Skill that elevates your prompting capabilities through:
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-
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- - **Intelligent Analysis** - Evaluates prompts across 5 quality dimensions (clarity, specificity, context, completeness, structure)
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- - **Framework Recommendation** - Suggests the best framework(s) for your specific use case with clear reasoning
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- - **Guided Dialogue** - Asks targeted clarifying questions to gather missing information progressively
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- - **Systematic Application** - Applies selected framework to transform your prompt
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- - **Iterative Refinement** - Continues improving based on feedback until perfect
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-
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- **Target Audience:**
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- - Developers using Claude Code for software engineering tasks
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- - Prompt engineers optimizing LLM interactions
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- - AI practitioners seeking systematic prompt improvement
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- - Teams wanting consistent, high-quality prompts
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-
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- ---
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-
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- ## Key Features
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-
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- ### 27 Research-Backed Frameworks Across 7 Intent Categories
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-
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- | Framework | Best For | Complexity |
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- |-----------|----------|------------|
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- | **CO-STAR** | Content creation, writing tasks | High |
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- | **RISEN** | Multi-step processes, procedures | High |
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- | **CRISPE** | Comprehensive prompts with multiple output variants | High |
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- | **BROKE** | Business deliverables with OKR-style measurable outcomes | Medium |
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- | **RISE-IE** | Data analysis, transformations (Input-Expectation) | Medium |
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- | **RISE-IX** | Content creation with examples (Instructions-Examples) | Medium |
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- | **TIDD-EC** | High-precision tasks with explicit dos/don'ts | Medium |
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- | **RACE** | Expert tasks requiring role + context + outcome clarity | Medium |
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- | **CARE** | Constraint-driven tasks with explicit rules and examples | Medium |
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- | **CTF** | Simple tasks where situational context drives the prompt | Low |
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- | **RTF** | Simple, focused tasks where expertise framing matters | Low |
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- | **APE** | Ultra-minimal one-off prompts | Low |
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- | **BAB** | Rewriting, refactoring, transforming existing content | Low |
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- | **Tree of Thought** | Decisions requiring exploration of multiple approaches | Medium |
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- | **ReAct** | Agentic / tool-use tasks with iterative reasoning | Medium |
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- | **Skeleton of Thought** | Structured long-form content (outline-first) | Medium |
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- | **Step-Back** | Principle-grounded reasoning (abstract first, then specific) | Medium |
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- | **Least-to-Most** | Compositional multi-hop problems (simplest first) | Medium |
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- | **Plan-and-Solve (PS+)** | Zero-shot numerical/calculation reasoning | Low |
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- | **Chain of Thought** | Reasoning, problem-solving | Medium |
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- | **Chain of Density** | Iterative refinement, summarization | Medium |
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- | **Self-Refine** | Iterative output quality improvement (any task) | Medium |
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- | **CAI Critique-Revise** | Principle-based critique and revision (Anthropic) | Medium |
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- | **Devil's Advocate** | Strongest opposing argument against a position | Low |
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- | **Pre-Mortem** | Assume failure, identify specific causes | Low |
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- | **RCoT** | Verify reasoning by reconstructing the question | Medium |
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- | **RPEF** | Recover/reconstruct a prompt from an existing output | Low |
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- | **Reverse Role Prompting** | AI interviews you before executing | Low |
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-
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- ### Quality Scoring System
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-
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- Every prompt is evaluated across:
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- - **Clarity** (1-10): Is the goal clear and unambiguous?
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- - **Specificity** (1-10): Are requirements detailed enough?
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- - **Context** (1-10): Is background information provided?
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- - **Completeness** (1-10): Are all necessary elements present?
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- - **Structure** (1-10): Is the prompt well-organized?
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-
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- ### Progressive Disclosure
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-
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- - Asks 3-5 targeted questions at a time (never overwhelming)
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- - Adapts questions based on framework selection
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- - Builds understanding iteratively
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- - Confirms assumptions before proceeding
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-
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- ### Continuous Iteration
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-
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- - Shows before/after comparisons with explanations
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- - Refines based on your feedback
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- - Can switch frameworks if initial choice doesn't fit
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- - Continues until you're satisfied
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-
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- ---
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-
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- ## Example Transformation
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-
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- ### Before
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- ```
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- "Write about machine learning"
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- ```
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-
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- **Analysis Scores:**
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- - Clarity: 2/10 (vague goal)
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- - Specificity: 1/10 (no details)
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- - Context: 0/10 (no background)
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- - Completeness: 2/10 (missing most elements)
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- - Structure: 3/10 (single sentence)
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- - **Overall: 1.6/10**
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-
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- ---
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-
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- ### After (CO-STAR Framework)
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-
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- ```
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- CONTEXT:
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- Creating content for a business blog aimed at C-level executives exploring
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- how AI/ML could benefit their organizations. Readers understand business
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- strategy but have limited technical ML knowledge. Part of an emerging
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- technologies series.
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-
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- OBJECTIVE:
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- Create an engaging article helping executives understand practical machine
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- learning applications relevant to their companies. Focus on demonstrating
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- tangible business value and real-world implementation without overwhelming
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- technical details.
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-
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- STYLE:
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- Professional blog style combining narrative with bullet points. Include 2-3
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- real-world case studies. Structure with clear subheadings every 150-200 words.
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- Balance storytelling with concrete information. Avoid jargon; when necessary,
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- provide plain-language explanations.
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- TONE:
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- Professional yet approachable and conversational. Confident and authoritative
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- without being condescending. Practical and business-focused rather than
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- theoretical.
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- AUDIENCE:
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- C-suite executives and senior managers at mid-to-large enterprises who:
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- - Make strategic technology investment decisions
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- - Understand business metrics and ROI
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- - Have limited technical ML knowledge
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- - Value practical examples over theory
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- RESPONSE FORMAT:
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- 800-word article structured as:
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- - Compelling headline (10 words max)
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- - Brief hook (2-3 sentences)
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- - 3-4 main sections with descriptive subheadings
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- - Mix of paragraphs and bullet points
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- - Clear call-to-action conclusion
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- ```
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- **Result Scores:**
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- - Clarity: 9/10
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- - Specificity: 9/10
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- - Context: 10/10
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- - Completeness: 9/10
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- - Structure: 9/10
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- - **Overall: 8.8/10**
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- ---
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- ## Supported Frameworks
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- ### CO-STAR (Context, Objective, Style, Tone, Audience, Response)
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- **Best for:** Content creation, writing tasks, communications
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- **Components:**
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- - **Context** - Background information and situation
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- - **Objective** - Clear goal and purpose
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- - **Style** - Writing style and formatting approach
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- - **Tone** - Voice and emotional quality
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- - **Audience** - Target reader characteristics
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- - **Response** - Expected format and structure
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- **Example Use Cases:** Blog posts, emails, presentations, marketing copy, documentation
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- ---
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- ### RISEN (Role, Instructions, Steps, End goal, Narrowing)
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- **Best for:** Multi-step processes, systematic procedures
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- **Components:**
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- - **Role** - Expertise and perspective needed
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- - **Instructions** - High-level guidance
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- - **Steps** - Detailed methodology
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- - **End goal** - Success criteria
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- - **Narrowing** - Constraints and boundaries
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- **Example Use Cases:** Code reviews, workflows, systematic analysis, project planning
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- ---
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- ### RISE (Dual Variants)
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- #### RISE-IE (Input-Expectation)
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- **Best for:** Data analysis, transformations, processing tasks
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- **Components:**
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- - **Role** - Expertise needed
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- - **Input** - Data format and characteristics
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- - **Steps** - Processing methodology
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- - **Expectation** - Output requirements
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- **Example Use Cases:** CSV analysis, data processing, file transformations, report generation
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- #### RISE-IX (Instructions-Examples)
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- **Best for:** Content creation with reference examples
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- **Components:**
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- - **Role** - Expertise needed
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- - **Instructions** - Task guidance
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- - **Steps** - Workflow process
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- - **Examples** - Reference samples
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- **Example Use Cases:** Creative writing, template-based content, style matching
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- ---
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- ### TIDD-EC (Task, Instructions, Do, Don't, Examples, Context)
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- **Best for:** High-precision tasks requiring explicit boundaries
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- **Components:**
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- - **Task type** - Nature of the work
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- - **Instructions** - What to accomplish
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- - **Do** - Explicit positive guidance
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- - **Don't** - Explicit negative guidance (what to avoid)
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- - **Examples** - Reference samples
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- - **Context** - Background information
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- **Example Use Cases:** Code generation with standards, compliance tasks, quality-critical work
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- ---
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- ### CTF (Context, Task, Format)
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- **Best for:** Simple tasks where situational background matters more than expertise framing
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- **Components:**
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- - **Context** - Situation and background
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- - **Task** - What needs to be done
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- - **Format** - Output structure
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- **Example Use Cases:** Handoff documents, mid-project updates, situation-driven requests
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- ---
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- ### RTF (Role, Task, Format)
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- **Best for:** Simple, well-defined tasks where expertise framing drives output quality
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- **Components:**
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- - **Role** - Expertise required
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- - **Task** - What needs to be done
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- - **Format** - Output structure
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- **Example Use Cases:** Quick conversions, simple formatting, straightforward requests
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- ---
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- ### APE (Action, Purpose, Expectation)
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- **Best for:** Ultra-minimal prompts — the simplest structured framework
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- **Components:**
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- - **Action** - What to do (one clear verb-driven instruction)
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- - **Purpose** - Why it's needed (one sentence)
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- - **Expectation** - What a good result looks like
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- **Example Use Cases:** Quick summaries, single-function code, one-off requests, rapid iteration
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- ---
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- ### BAB (Before, After, Bridge)
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- **Best for:** Transforming, rewriting, or refactoring existing content
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- **Components:**
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- - **Before** - Current state and what's wrong
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- - **After** - Desired end state
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- - **Bridge** - Transformation rules and constraints
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- **Example Use Cases:** Code refactoring, copy rewrites, tone changes, document restructuring, version migrations
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- ---
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- ### RACE (Role, Action, Context, Expectation)
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- **Best for:** Medium-complexity tasks needing expertise + background + explicit success criteria
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- **Components:**
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- - **Role** - Expertise or persona
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- - **Action** - What needs to be done
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- - **Context** - Situational background and constraints
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- - **Expectation** - What a good result looks like
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- **Example Use Cases:** Technical reviews, expert analysis, contextual recommendations, documentation with standards
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- ---
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- ### CRISPE (Capacity+Role, Insight, Instructions, Personality, Experiment)
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- **Best for:** Comprehensive prompts where you want multiple output variants to compare
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- **Components:**
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- - **Capacity & Role** - Expertise level and professional persona
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- - **Insight** - Background context and situational knowledge
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- - **Instructions** - The specific task
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- - **Personality** - Tone, voice, communication style
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- - **Experiment** - Request N variants to compare (the defining differentiator)
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- **Example Use Cases:** Marketing campaigns (A/B variants), content with tone options, strategic analysis needing multiple angles
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- ---
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- ### BROKE (Background, Role, Objective, Key Results, Evolve)
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- **Best for:** Business deliverables with measurable outcomes and built-in self-improvement
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- **Components:**
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- - **Background** - Situation and context
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- - **Role** - Professional persona
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- - **Objective** - The task
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- - **Key Results** - Measurable business outcomes (OKR-style)
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- - **Evolve** - AI self-critiques and suggests 3 improvements
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- **Example Use Cases:** Sales process improvements, content strategy with KPIs, product decisions tied to metrics
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- ---
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- ### CARE (Context, Ask, Rules, Examples)
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- **Best for:** Tasks with explicit constraints, compliance requirements, or quality standards
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- **Components:**
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- - **Context** - Situation and background
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- - **Ask** - The specific request
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- - **Rules** - Explicit constraints, dos/don'ts, standards
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- - **Examples** - Reference samples showing the quality bar
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- **Example Use Cases:** Healthcare/legal content, UI error messages, interview questions with bias constraints, brand-compliant copy
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- ### Skeleton of Thought (SoT)
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- **Best for:** Structured long-form content — generate outline first, then expand
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- **Approach:**
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- - Phase 1: Generate a concise skeleton/outline (key points only)
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- - Phase 2: Expand each skeleton point independently (parallelizable)
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- - SoT-R variant: Route non-suitable questions to standard generation
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- **Example Use Cases:** Technical documentation, structured reports, tutorials, any multi-section content
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- ---
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- ### Step-Back Prompting
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- **Best for:** Principle-grounded reasoning — abstract to the underlying concept first
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- **Approach:**
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- - Generate a higher-level "step-back" question about underlying principles
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- - Answer the abstract question to retrieve principles
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- - Use those principles as context to answer the original specific question
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- **Example Use Cases:** STEM problems, architecture decisions, debugging, any task where first-principles reasoning matters
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- ---
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- ### Least-to-Most (LtM)
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- **Best for:** Compositional multi-hop problems with ordered dependencies
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- **Approach:**
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- - Decompose the complex problem into ordered subproblems (simplest first)
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- - Solve each subproblem sequentially, feeding each answer into the next
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- - Use accumulated answers to solve the original problem
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- **Example Use Cases:** Multi-domain questions (legal + technical), complex calculations, architecture problems with prerequisites
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- ---
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- ### Plan-and-Solve (PS+)
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- **Best for:** Zero-shot numerical and calculation reasoning
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- **Approach:**
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- - "Let's first understand the problem, extract relevant variables and their corresponding numerals, and devise a complete plan. Then, let's carry out the plan, calculate intermediate values, pay attention to computation, and solve the problem step by step."
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- **Example Use Cases:** Financial calculations (MRR, CAC, payback), math word problems, resource estimation, any zero-shot reasoning task
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- ### Self-Refine
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- **Best for:** Iterative quality improvement of any output
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- **Approach:** Generate → produce specific actionable feedback → refine → repeat until stopping criterion
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- **Research:** Madaan et al. NeurIPS 2023 — +5-40% improvement across 7 task types
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- **Example Use Cases:** Code review and rewriting, writing improvement, plan refinement, pre-submission QA
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- ### CAI Critique-Revise
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- **Best for:** Aligning output to an explicit stated principle or standard
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- **Approach:** Initial output → critique against a specific principle → revision addressing every critique point
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- **Research:** Anthropic Constitutional AI (arXiv 2212.08073, 2022) — principle-driven alignment
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- **Example Use Cases:** Plain language compliance, brand voice enforcement, epistemic quality (claims vs. assertions), legal/regulatory language standards
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- ---
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- ### Devil's Advocate
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- **Best for:** Generating the strongest possible opposing argument against a position
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-
436
- **Approach:** Explicitly instructs the AI to attack a position as forcefully as possible — not balanced, not a straw man, but maximum-strength opposition
437
- **Research:** ACM IUI 2024 peer-reviewed study
438
-
439
- **Example Use Cases:** Decision stress-testing, architecture reviews, countering groupthink, stakeholder preparation, debiasing
440
-
441
- ---
442
-
443
- ### Pre-Mortem
444
-
445
- **Best for:** Identifying specific failure causes before they happen
446
-
447
- **Approach:** Assume the project has already failed → describe the failure → work backwards to specific causes with warning signs
448
- **Research:** Gary Klein's prospective hindsight — ~30% improvement over forward risk analysis
449
-
450
- **Example Use Cases:** Project kickoffs, product launches, technical migrations, high-stakes strategic decisions
451
-
452
- ---
453
-
454
- ### RCoT (Reverse Chain-of-Thought)
455
-
456
- **Best for:** Verifying that reasoning addressed all conditions in a multi-constraint question
457
-
458
- **Approach:** Generate answer → reconstruct the question from the answer → cross-check conditions → correct overlooked items
459
- **Research:** Academic backward reasoning literature (ACL 2025, NAACL 2025)
460
-
461
- **Example Use Cases:** Multi-condition logic problems, complex requirements analysis, high-stakes reasoning verification
462
-
463
- ---
464
-
465
- ### RPEF (Reverse Prompt Engineering)
466
-
467
- **Best for:** Recovering a reusable prompt template from an existing output
468
-
469
- **Approach:** Provide an output (and optionally the input) → AI analyzes it for tone, structure, constraints, persona → generates a reusable template with [PLACEHOLDER] variables
470
- **Research:** Li & Klabjan, EMNLP 2025 (arXiv 2411.06729)
471
-
472
- **Example Use Cases:** Recovering lost prompts, codifying successful one-time outputs, building style templates, understanding system prompt behavior
473
-
474
- ---
475
-
476
- ### Reverse Role Prompting (AI-Led Interview)
477
-
478
- **Best for:** Complex tasks where you know the goal but struggle to specify all requirements
479
-
480
- **Approach:** Provide a minimal intent statement → AI asks targeted clarifying questions → executes once context is complete
481
- **Research:** FATA framework (arXiv 2508.08308, 2025) — ~40% improvement over standard prompting
482
-
483
- **Example Use Cases:** Complex strategy tasks, non-expert users, requirements gathering, generating complete prompts from an interview
484
-
485
- ---
486
-
487
- ### Tree of Thought
488
-
489
- **Best for:** Decisions where multiple approaches need systematic comparison
490
-
491
- **Approach:**
492
- - Defines the problem and constraints
493
- - Explores 2-5 distinct solution branches in parallel
494
- - Evaluates each branch against defined criteria
495
- - Synthesizes into a reasoned recommendation
496
-
497
- **Example Use Cases:** Architecture decisions, debugging with multiple hypotheses, technology selection, strategic trade-offs
498
-
499
- ---
500
-
501
- ### ReAct (Reasoning + Acting)
502
-
503
- **Best for:** Agentic tasks that interleave reasoning with tool use
504
-
505
- **Approach:**
506
- - Defines goal, available tools, and constraints
507
- - Alternates Thought → Action → Observation cycles
508
- - Each observation informs the next thought
509
- - Continues until goal is reached
510
-
511
- **Example Use Cases:** Agentic workflows, multi-step research, debugging with tools, data investigation
512
-
513
- ---
514
-
515
- ### Chain of Thought
516
-
517
- **Best for:** Complex reasoning and problem-solving
518
-
519
- **Approach:**
520
- - Breaks down reasoning into explicit steps
521
- - Shows work and intermediate conclusions
522
- - Verifies logic at each stage
523
- - Builds to final answer
524
-
525
- **Example Use Cases:** Math problems, debugging, decision analysis, logical reasoning
526
-
527
- ---
528
-
529
- ### Chain of Density
530
-
531
- **Best for:** Iterative refinement and compression
532
-
533
- **Approach:**
534
- - Starts with baseline version
535
- - Progressively refines through iterations
536
- - Increases information density
537
- - Optimizes for specific goals
538
-
539
- **Example Use Cases:** Summarization, content compression, explanation optimization
540
-
541
- ---
542
-
543
- ## Use with Other AI Tools
544
-
545
- Prompt Architect works with Claude Code out of the box. For other tools, use the adapter files in the [`adapters/`](adapters/) folder.
546
-
547
- | Tool | Adapter file | Where to put it |
548
- |------|-------------|-----------------|
549
- | **OpenAI Codex CLI** | `adapters/for-openai-codex-cli.md` | Append to `AGENTS.md` in project root |
550
- | **Cursor** | `adapters/for-cursor.mdc` | Copy to `.cursor/rules/prompt-architect.mdc` |
551
- | **GitHub Copilot** | `adapters/for-github-copilot.md` | Append to `.github/copilot-instructions.md` |
552
- | **Windsurf** | `adapters/for-windsurf.md` | Append to `.windsurfrules` in project root |
553
- | **Any LLM API / ChatGPT** | `adapters/system-prompt.md` | Paste into system prompt / instructions field |
554
-
555
- **Quick install examples:**
556
- ```bash
557
- # OpenAI Codex CLI
558
- cat node_modules/@ckelsoe/claude-skill-prompt-architect/adapters/for-openai-codex-cli.md >> AGENTS.md
559
-
560
- # Cursor
561
- mkdir -p .cursor/rules
562
- cp node_modules/@ckelsoe/claude-skill-prompt-architect/adapters/for-cursor.mdc .cursor/rules/prompt-architect.mdc
563
-
564
- # GitHub Copilot
565
- mkdir -p .github
566
- cat node_modules/@ckelsoe/claude-skill-prompt-architect/adapters/for-github-copilot.md >> .github/copilot-instructions.md
567
-
568
- # Windsurf
569
- cat node_modules/@ckelsoe/claude-skill-prompt-architect/adapters/for-windsurf.md >> .windsurfrules
570
- ```
571
-
572
- See [`adapters/README.md`](adapters/README.md) for full documentation, limitations, and troubleshooting for each platform.
573
-
574
- ---
575
-
576
- ## Quick Start
577
-
578
- ### 1. Install via npm (Recommended)
579
-
580
- ```bash
581
- # Install globally
582
- npm install -g @ckelsoe/claude-skill-prompt-architect
583
-
584
- # Run installation script
585
- prompt-architect-install
586
- ```
587
-
588
- **Alternative: Manual Installation**
589
-
590
- If you prefer not to use npm:
591
-
592
- **macOS/Linux:**
593
- ```bash
594
- cp -r prompt-architect ~/.claude/skills/
595
- ```
596
-
597
- **Windows (PowerShell):**
598
- ```powershell
599
- Copy-Item -Path "prompt-architect" -Destination "$env:USERPROFILE\.claude\skills\prompt-architect" -Recurse
600
- ```
601
-
602
- ### 2. Restart Claude Code
603
-
604
- Close and reopen Claude Code to load the skill.
605
-
606
- ### 3. Try It Out
607
-
608
- ```
609
- "Help me improve this prompt: write a technical blog post"
610
- ```
611
-
612
- The skill will automatically:
613
- 1. Analyze your prompt and score it
614
- 2. Recommend the best framework (likely CO-STAR)
615
- 3. Ask clarifying questions
616
- 4. Generate an improved, structured prompt
617
- 5. Explain the changes made
618
-
619
- ---
620
-
621
- ## Installation
622
-
623
- ### Method 1: npm (Recommended)
624
-
625
- **Option A: Global Installation (User-Wide)**
626
-
627
- ```bash
628
- # Install globally
629
- npm install -g @ckelsoe/claude-skill-prompt-architect
630
-
631
- # Run installation script
632
- prompt-architect-install
633
-
634
- # Restart Claude Code
635
- ```
636
-
637
- **Option B: Local Installation (Without Global)**
638
-
639
- ```bash
640
- # Install package
641
- npm install @ckelsoe/claude-skill-prompt-architect
642
-
643
- # Run installation script using npx
644
- npx prompt-architect-install
645
-
646
- # Restart Claude Code
647
- ```
648
-
649
- **Option C: Project-Specific Installation**
650
-
651
- ```bash
652
- # Install as dev dependency
653
- npm install --save-dev @ckelsoe/claude-skill-prompt-architect
654
-
655
- # Install to project .claude/skills/ folder
656
- npx prompt-architect-install --project
657
-
658
- # Restart Claude Code
659
- ```
660
-
661
- ### Method 2: Manual Installation
662
-
663
- If you prefer not to use npm:
664
-
665
- #### Prerequisites
666
-
667
- - Claude Code installed and configured
668
- - Python 3.7+ (optional, for analysis scripts)
669
-
670
- #### Installation Steps
671
-
672
- 1. **Clone or Download this Repository**
673
-
674
- ```bash
675
- git clone https://github.com/ckelsoe/claude-skill-prompt-architect.git
676
- cd claude-skill-prompt-architect
677
- ```
678
-
679
- 2. **Copy Skill to Claude Code Directory**
680
-
681
- The skill needs to be in your Claude Code skills folder.
682
-
683
- **Default Locations:**
684
- - Windows: `C:\Users\<YourName>\.claude\skills\`
685
- - macOS: `~/.claude/skills/`
686
- - Linux: `~/.claude/skills/`
687
-
688
- **Installation Commands:**
689
-
690
- ```bash
691
- # macOS/Linux
692
- cp -r prompt-architect ~/.claude/skills/
693
-
694
- # Windows (PowerShell)
695
- Copy-Item -Path "prompt-architect" -Destination "$env:USERPROFILE\.claude\skills\prompt-architect" -Recurse
696
-
697
- # Windows (Command Prompt)
698
- xcopy prompt-architect %USERPROFILE%\.claude\skills\prompt-architect /E /I
699
- ```
700
-
701
- 3. **Verify Installation**
702
-
703
- Check that all files are present:
704
-
705
- ```bash
706
- # macOS/Linux
707
- ls ~/.claude/skills/prompt-architect/
708
-
709
- # Windows (PowerShell)
710
- ls $env:USERPROFILE\.claude\skills\prompt-architect\
711
-
712
- # Should see:
713
- # - SKILL.md (required)
714
- # - references/ (framework docs)
715
- # - assets/ (templates)
716
- # - scripts/ (analysis tools)
717
- ```
718
-
719
- 4. **Restart Claude Code**
720
-
721
- The skill will be automatically loaded on restart.
722
-
723
- ### Verification
724
-
725
- Test the skill with:
726
- ```
727
- "Help me improve this prompt: analyze some data"
728
- ```
729
-
730
- You should see the skill activate with prompt analysis and framework recommendations.
731
-
732
- ---
733
-
734
- ## Updating
735
-
736
- ### Update via npm
737
-
738
- **If installed globally:**
739
- ```bash
740
- # Update to latest version
741
- npm update -g @ckelsoe/claude-skill-prompt-architect
742
-
743
- # Or reinstall
744
- npm install -g @ckelsoe/claude-skill-prompt-architect@latest
745
-
746
- # Restart Claude Code
747
- ```
748
-
749
- **If installed locally:**
750
- ```bash
751
- # Update package
752
- npm update @ckelsoe/claude-skill-prompt-architect
753
-
754
- # Reinstall skill
755
- npx prompt-architect-install
756
-
757
- # Restart Claude Code
758
- ```
759
-
760
- **Check current version:**
761
- ```bash
762
- npm list -g @ckelsoe/claude-skill-prompt-architect
763
- ```
764
-
765
- **Note:** npm packages do not auto-update. You must manually run the update command to get the latest version.
766
-
767
- ---
768
-
769
- ## Usage
770
-
771
- ### Basic Usage
772
-
773
- Simply ask Claude Code to improve any prompt:
774
-
775
- ```
776
- "Help me improve this prompt: [your prompt here]"
777
- ```
778
-
779
- ### Example Interaction
780
-
781
- ```
782
- User: "Help me improve this prompt: create a function to process user data"
783
-
784
- Skill: I'll analyze this prompt and help improve it.
785
-
786
- **Analysis**:
787
- - Clarity: 4/10 (basic goal stated)
788
- - Specificity: 2/10 (what kind of data? what processing?)
789
- - Context: 1/10 (no background)
790
- - Completeness: 2/10 (missing many details)
791
- - Structure: 3/10 (single sentence)
792
- - **Overall: 2.4/10**
793
-
794
- **Recommendation**: RISEN framework (multi-step process requiring methodology)
795
-
796
- **Questions**:
797
- 1. What type of user data? (names, emails, profiles, etc.)
798
- 2. What processing is needed? (validation, transformation, storage?)
799
- 3. What's the tech stack? (Python, JavaScript, database type?)
800
- 4. Any constraints? (performance, security requirements?)
801
- 5. Expected error handling approach?
802
-
803
- User: "It's a Python function processing CSV user registrations. Need to validate
804
- emails, normalize names, and save to PostgreSQL. Should handle invalid data gracefully."
805
-
806
- Skill: Perfect! Let me apply the RISEN framework...
807
-
808
- [Improved prompt generated with clear role, instructions, steps, end goal, and constraints]
809
- ```
810
-
811
- ### Advanced Usage
812
-
813
- **Request Specific Framework:**
814
- ```
815
- "Use the CO-STAR framework to improve: write marketing copy"
816
- ```
817
-
818
- **Iterate on Existing Prompts:**
819
- ```
820
- "Review this prompt and suggest improvements: [existing structured prompt]"
821
- ```
822
-
823
- **Switch Frameworks:**
824
- ```
825
- "Try using TIDD-EC instead for more explicit guidance"
826
- ```
827
-
828
- ---
829
-
830
- ## Framework Selection Guide
831
-
832
- ### Decision Tree
833
-
834
- ```
835
- Are you transforming existing content (rewrite, refactor, convert)?
836
- ├─ YES → BAB (Before, After, Bridge)
837
- └─ NO ↓
838
-
839
- Is it an agentic/tool-use task?
840
- ├─ YES → ReAct (Thought-Action-Observation cycles)
841
- └─ NO
842
-
843
- Is it a decision between multiple approaches?
844
- ├─ YES Tree of Thought (branching exploration)
845
- └─ NO
846
-
847
- Is it content/writing focused with audience and tone?
848
- ├─ YES CO-STAR
849
- └─ NO
850
-
851
- Is it a multi-step process with methodology?
852
- ├─ YES RISEN
853
- └─ NO
854
-
855
- Is it a data transformation (input → output)?
856
- ├─ YES RISE-IE
857
- └─ NO
858
-
859
- Does it need reference examples?
860
- ├─ YES RISE-IX
861
- └─ NO
862
-
863
- Does it need explicit dos/don'ts?
864
- ├─ YES TIDD-EC
865
- └─ NO
866
-
867
- Is it complex reasoning (one clear path)?
868
- ├─ YES Chain of Thought
869
- └─ NO
870
-
871
- Does it need iterative refinement?
872
- ├─ YES Chain of Density
873
- └─ NO
874
-
875
- Is it a numerical/calculation problem (zero-shot)?
876
- ├─ YES → Plan-and-Solve PS+
877
- └─ NO ↓
878
-
879
- Is it compositional / multi-hop (answer A needed before B)?
880
- ├─ YES → Least-to-Most
881
- └─ NO ↓
882
-
883
- Does it need first-principles reasoning?
884
- ├─ YES → Step-Back Prompting
885
- └─ NO ↓
886
-
887
- Is it structured long-form content (multiple semi-independent sections)?
888
- ├─ YES → Skeleton of Thought
889
- └─ NO ↓
890
-
891
- Do you need to recover a prompt from an existing output?
892
- ├─ YES → RPEF (Reverse Prompt Engineering)
893
- └─ NO ↓
894
-
895
- Do you need to clarify requirements before starting?
896
- ├─ YES → Reverse Role Prompting (AI interviews you first)
897
- └─ NO ↓
898
-
899
- Do you need to critique, stress-test, or verify something?
900
- ├─ General quality improvement → Self-Refine
901
- ├─ Align to explicit principle → CAI Critique-Revise
902
- ├─ Find opposing argument → Devil's Advocate
903
- ├─ Find failure modes → Pre-Mortem
904
- └─ Verify conditions weren't missed → RCoT
905
-
906
- Is it a simple task? Choose by primary driver:
907
- ├─ Expert role matters most → RTF
908
- ├─ Situational context matters most → CTF
909
- ├─ Need role + context + outcome bar → RACE
910
- ├─ Business deliverable with KPIs → BROKE
911
- ├─ Want multiple variants to compare → CRISPE
912
- ├─ Have explicit rules/constraints CARE
913
- └─ Ultra-minimal, one-off APE
914
- ```
915
-
916
- ### Quick Reference
917
-
918
- | Your Task | Recommended Framework | Why |
919
- |-----------|----------------------|-----|
920
- | Write blog post | CO-STAR | Audience and tone critical |
921
- | Code review process | RISEN | Multi-step with constraints |
922
- | Analyze CSV data | RISE-IE | Clear input→output transformation |
923
- | Generate with examples | RISE-IX | Need reference samples |
924
- | Generate secure code | TIDD-EC | Explicit dos/don'ts needed |
925
- | Debug logic error | Chain of Thought | Requires reasoning steps |
926
- | Compress explanation | Chain of Density | Iterative refinement |
927
- | Simple conversion | RTF | Straightforward, expertise-driven |
928
- | Mid-project update | CTF | Background is the key driver |
929
- | Summarize a meeting | APE | Ultra-minimal, one-off |
930
- | Refactor existing code | BAB | Clear before/after transformation |
931
- | Rewrite copy for new audience | BAB | Current content → desired state |
932
- | Architecture decision | Tree of Thought | Multiple approaches to compare |
933
- | Choose database tech | Tree of Thought | Trade-offs need systematic analysis |
934
- | Agentic research task | ReAct | Tool use with iterative reasoning |
935
- | Expert review with context | RACE | Role + background + outcome bar |
936
- | Financial calculation | Plan-and-Solve (PS+) | Zero-shot + variable extraction |
937
- | Multi-hop technical question | Least-to-Most | Dependencies must be solved in order |
938
- | Architecture principle question | Step-Back | Abstract to first principles first |
939
- | Write structured docs/report | Skeleton of Thought | Outline first, expand second |
940
- | Marketing copy A/B options | CRISPE | Experiment component generates variants |
941
- | Business strategy with KPIs | BROKE | Key Results + Evolve self-critique |
942
- | Healthcare/compliance content | CARE | Explicit rules and quality standards |
943
- | Improve any output quality | Self-Refine | Multi-dimensional feedback + refine loop |
944
- | Enforce plain language standard | CAI Critique-Revise | Principle-based critique |
945
- | Stress-test a strategy | Devil's Advocate | Strongest opposing argument |
946
- | Project risk analysis | Pre-Mortem | Assumed failure backward causes |
947
- | Multi-condition logic verification | RCoT | Backward reconstruction cross-check |
948
- | Lost/need to recover a prompt | RPEF | Output → reconstructed template |
949
- | Requirements unclear upfront | Reverse Role Prompting | AI interviews you first |
950
-
951
- ---
952
-
953
- ## Project Structure
954
-
955
- ```
956
- prompt-architect/
957
-
958
- ├── README.md # This file
959
- ├── LICENSE # MIT License
960
-
961
- └── prompt-architect/ # The skill
962
- ├── SKILL.md # Core skill instructions (5 KB)
963
-
964
- ├── scripts/ # Analysis Utilities
965
- │ ├── framework_analyzer.py # Framework recommendation logic
966
- │ └── prompt_evaluator.py # Quality scoring system
967
-
968
- ├── references/ # Framework Documentation
969
- │ └── frameworks/ # Loaded on-demand
970
- │ ├── co-star.md # CO-STAR reference (600+ lines)
971
- │ ├── risen.md # RISEN reference (600+ lines)
972
- │ ├── rise.md # RISE (IE/IX) reference (700+ lines)
973
- │ ├── tidd-ec.md # TIDD-EC reference (600+ lines)
974
- │ ├── ctf.md # CTF reference
975
- │ ├── rtf.md # RTF reference (500+ lines)
976
- │ ├── ape.md # APE reference
977
- │ ├── bab.md # BAB reference
978
- │ ├── race.md # RACE reference
979
- │ ├── crispe.md # CRISPE reference
980
- │ ├── broke.md # BROKE reference
981
- │ ├── care.md # CARE reference
982
- │ ├── tree-of-thought.md # Tree of Thought reference
983
- │ ├── react.md # ReAct reference
984
- │ ├── skeleton-of-thought.md # Skeleton of Thought reference (ICLR 2024)
985
- │ ├── step-back.md # Step-Back Prompting reference (Google DeepMind)
986
- │ ├── least-to-most.md # Least-to-Most reference (Google Brain)
987
- │ ├── plan-and-solve.md # Plan-and-Solve PS+ reference (ACL 2023)
988
- │ ├── chain-of-thought.md # CoT reference (500+ lines)
989
- │ ├── chain-of-density.md # CoD reference (500+ lines)
990
- │ ├── self-refine.md # Self-Refine (NeurIPS 2023)
991
- │ ├── cai-critique-revise.md # CAI Critique-Revise (Anthropic 2022)
992
- │ ├── devils-advocate.md # Devil's Advocate (ACM IUI 2024)
993
- │ ├── pre-mortem.md # Pre-Mortem (Gary Klein)
994
- │ ├── rcot.md # Reverse Chain-of-Thought
995
- │ ├── rpef.md # Reverse Prompt Engineering (EMNLP 2025)
996
- │ └── reverse-role.md # AI-Led Interview / FATA (arXiv 2025)
997
-
998
- └── assets/
999
- └── templates/ # Framework Templates
1000
- ├── co-star_template.txt
1001
- ├── risen_template.txt
1002
- ├── rise-ie_template.txt
1003
- ├── rise-ix_template.txt
1004
- ├── tidd-ec_template.txt
1005
- ├── ctf_template.txt
1006
- ├── rtf_template.txt
1007
- ├── ape_template.txt
1008
- ├── bab_template.txt
1009
- ├── race_template.txt
1010
- ├── crispe_template.txt
1011
- ├── broke_template.txt
1012
- ├── care_template.txt
1013
- ├── tree-of-thought_template.txt
1014
- ├── react_template.txt
1015
- ├── skeleton-of-thought_template.txt
1016
- ├── step-back_template.txt
1017
- ├── least-to-most_template.txt
1018
- ├── plan-and-solve_template.txt
1019
- ├── chain-of-thought_template.txt
1020
- ├── chain-of-density_template.txt
1021
- ├── self-refine_template.txt
1022
- ├── cai-critique-revise_template.txt
1023
- ├── devils-advocate_template.txt
1024
- ├── pre-mortem_template.txt
1025
- ├── rcot_template.txt
1026
- ├── rpef_template.txt
1027
- ├── reverse-role_template.txt
1028
- └── hybrid_template.txt
1029
- ```
1030
-
1031
- **Core Components:**
1032
- - **SKILL.md** - Main skill logic and instructions (intent-based selection system)
1033
- - **27 Framework Docs** - Complete references with examples
1034
- - **29 Templates** - Ready-to-use structures (27 frameworks + hybrid + chain variants)
1035
- - **2 Python Scripts** - Analysis and scoring utilities
1036
-
1037
- ---
1038
-
1039
- ## Documentation
1040
-
1041
- ### Framework References
1042
-
1043
- Detailed documentation for each framework in `prompt-architect/references/frameworks/`:
1044
-
1045
- - **co-star.md** - Context, Objective, Style, Tone, Audience, Response
1046
- - **risen.md** - Role, Instructions, Steps, End goal, Narrowing
1047
- - **rise.md** - Dual variants (IE & IX)
1048
- - **tidd-ec.md** - Task, Instructions, Do, Don't, Examples, Context
1049
- - **ctf.md** - Context, Task, Format
1050
- - **rtf.md** - Role, Task, Format
1051
- - **ape.md** - Action, Purpose, Expectation
1052
- - **bab.md** - Before, After, Bridge
1053
- - **race.md** - Role, Action, Context, Expectation
1054
- - **crispe.md** - Capacity+Role, Insight, Instructions, Personality, Experiment
1055
- - **broke.md** - Background, Role, Objective, Key Results, Evolve
1056
- - **care.md** - Context, Ask, Rules, Examples
1057
- - **tree-of-thought.md** - Branching multi-path exploration
1058
- - **react.md** - Reasoning + Acting (agentic tool use)
1059
- - **skeleton-of-thought.md** - Skeleton-first parallel expansion (ICLR 2024)
1060
- - **step-back.md** - Abstract to principles first (Google DeepMind, ICLR 2024)
1061
- - **least-to-most.md** - Sequential subproblem solving (Google Brain, ICLR 2023)
1062
- - **plan-and-solve.md** - Zero-shot PS+ trigger (ACL 2023)
1063
- - **chain-of-thought.md** - Step-by-step reasoning
1064
- - **chain-of-density.md** - Iterative refinement
1065
- - **self-refine.md** - Generate → Feedback → Refine (NeurIPS 2023)
1066
- - **cai-critique-revise.md** - Principle-based critique + revision (Anthropic 2022)
1067
- - **devils-advocate.md** - Strongest opposing argument (ACM IUI 2024)
1068
- - **pre-mortem.md** - Assumed failure → backward cause analysis (Gary Klein)
1069
- - **rcot.md** - Reverse Chain-of-Thought verification
1070
- - **rpef.md** - Reverse Prompt Engineering (EMNLP 2025)
1071
- - **reverse-role.md** - AI-Led Interview / FATA (arXiv 2025)
1072
-
1073
- ---
1074
-
1075
- ## Contributing
1076
-
1077
- Contributions are welcome! Here's how you can help:
1078
-
1079
- ### Ways to Contribute
1080
-
1081
- 1. **Add New Frameworks** - Implement additional prompting frameworks
1082
- 2. **Improve Existing Frameworks** - Enhance documentation and examples
1083
- 3. **Bug Fixes** - Report and fix issues
1084
- 4. **Documentation** - Improve guides and examples
1085
- 5. **Testing** - Test with different use cases and report findings
1086
-
1087
- ### Adding New Frameworks
1088
-
1089
- 1. Research and validate the framework has backing
1090
- 2. Create comprehensive framework reference (see existing in `references/frameworks/`)
1091
- 3. Add template file in `assets/templates/`
1092
- 4. Update SKILL.md framework selection logic
1093
- 5. Test with multiple use cases
1094
- 6. Submit pull request with examples and rationale
1095
-
1096
- ### Contribution Guidelines
1097
-
1098
- **File Structure:**
1099
- ```
1100
- New framework contributions should include:
1101
- - references/frameworks/your-framework.md (600+ lines with examples)
1102
- - assets/templates/your-framework_template.txt
1103
- - Updates to SKILL.md framework selection
1104
- - Examples in documentation
1105
- ```
1106
-
1107
- **Documentation Standards:**
1108
- - Clear component definitions
1109
- - Multiple use case examples
1110
- - Selection criteria explanation
1111
- - Before/after comparisons
1112
- - Research citations
1113
-
1114
- **Testing Requirements:**
1115
- - Test with 3-5 diverse prompts
1116
- - Verify scoring improves
1117
- - Check framework selection logic
1118
- - Validate template structure
1119
-
1120
- ### Pull Request Process
1121
-
1122
- 1. Fork the repository
1123
- 2. Create a feature branch (`git checkout -b feature/new-framework`)
1124
- 3. Make your changes following the guidelines
1125
- 4. Test thoroughly with multiple examples
1126
- 5. Update relevant documentation
1127
- 6. Commit with clear messages
1128
- 7. Push to your fork
1129
- 8. Submit a Pull Request with:
1130
- - Clear description of changes
1131
- - Examples of improvements
1132
- - Test results
1133
- - Documentation updates
1134
-
1135
- ---
1136
-
1137
- ## License
1138
-
1139
- This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the [LICENSE](LICENSE) file for details.
1140
-
1141
- ### License Summary
1142
-
1143
- **Permissions:**
1144
- - Commercial use
1145
- - Modification
1146
- - Distribution
1147
- - Private use
1148
-
1149
- **Conditions:**
1150
- - License and copyright notice must be included
1151
-
1152
- **Limitations:**
1153
- - No liability
1154
- - No warranty
1155
-
1156
- ---
1157
-
1158
- ## Support
1159
-
1160
- ### Getting Help
1161
-
1162
- - **Issues** - Report bugs or request features via [GitHub Issues](https://github.com/ckelsoe/prompt-architect/issues)
1163
- - **Documentation** - Check framework references in `references/frameworks/`
1164
-
1165
- ### FAQ
1166
-
1167
- **Q: Why isn't the skill activating?**
1168
- A: Ensure the skill folder is in the correct location (`~/.claude/skills/prompt-architect/`) and restart Claude Code.
1169
-
1170
- **Q: Can I use this without Claude Code?**
1171
- A: Yes! Include SKILL.md content in your Claude API system prompt.
1172
-
1173
- **Q: Which framework should I use?**
1174
- A: The skill will recommend one, but check the Framework Selection Guide above.
1175
-
1176
- **Q: Can I add my own framework?**
1177
- A: Yes! See the Contributing section for guidelines.
1178
-
1179
- **Q: Does this work with other LLMs?**
1180
- A: The frameworks are universal, but the skill is optimized for Claude.
1181
-
1182
- ---
1183
-
1184
- **Transforming your prompts with research-backed frameworks**
1
+ # Prompt Architect
2
+
3
+ Transform vague prompts into expert-level, structured prompts using 27 research-backed frameworks across 7 intent categories.
4
+
5
+ Works with **Claude Code, ChatGPT, Gemini CLI, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Windsurf, OpenAI Codex**, and [30+ Agent Skills compatible tools](https://agentskills.io).
6
+
7
+ [![License: MIT](https://img.shields.io/badge/License-MIT-yellow.svg)](https://opensource.org/licenses/MIT) [![npm](https://img.shields.io/npm/v/@ckelsoe/prompt-architect)](https://www.npmjs.com/package/@ckelsoe/prompt-architect) [![Agent Skills](https://img.shields.io/badge/Agent%20Skills-compatible-blue)](https://agentskills.io)
8
+
9
+ ---
10
+
11
+ ## Table of Contents
12
+
13
+ - [Overview](#overview)
14
+ - [Key Features](#key-features)
15
+ - [Example Transformation](#example-transformation)
16
+ - [Supported Frameworks](#supported-frameworks)
17
+ - [Quick Start](#quick-start)
18
+ - [Installation](#installation)
19
+ - [Usage](#usage)
20
+ - [Framework Selection Guide](#framework-selection-guide)
21
+ - [Project Structure](#project-structure)
22
+ - [Documentation](#documentation)
23
+ - [Contributing](#contributing)
24
+ - [License](#license)
25
+
26
+ ---
27
+
28
+ ## Overview
29
+
30
+ Prompt Architect is an [Agent Skills](https://agentskills.io) compatible skill that elevates your prompting capabilities through:
31
+
32
+ - **Intelligent Analysis** - Evaluates prompts across 5 quality dimensions (clarity, specificity, context, completeness, structure)
33
+ - **Framework Recommendation** - Suggests the best framework(s) for your specific use case with clear reasoning
34
+ - **Guided Dialogue** - Asks targeted clarifying questions to gather missing information progressively
35
+ - **Systematic Application** - Applies selected framework to transform your prompt
36
+ - **Iterative Refinement** - Continues improving based on feedback until perfect
37
+
38
+ **Target Audience:**
39
+ - Developers using AI coding agents (Claude Code, Gemini CLI, Cursor, Copilot, etc.)
40
+ - Prompt engineers optimizing LLM interactions
41
+ - AI practitioners seeking systematic prompt improvement
42
+ - Teams wanting consistent, high-quality prompts
43
+
44
+ ---
45
+
46
+ ## Key Features
47
+
48
+ ### 27 Research-Backed Frameworks Across 7 Intent Categories
49
+
50
+ | Framework | Best For | Complexity |
51
+ |-----------|----------|------------|
52
+ | **CO-STAR** | Content creation, writing tasks | High |
53
+ | **RISEN** | Multi-step processes, procedures | High |
54
+ | **CRISPE** | Comprehensive prompts with multiple output variants | High |
55
+ | **BROKE** | Business deliverables with OKR-style measurable outcomes | Medium |
56
+ | **RISE-IE** | Data analysis, transformations (Input-Expectation) | Medium |
57
+ | **RISE-IX** | Content creation with examples (Instructions-Examples) | Medium |
58
+ | **TIDD-EC** | High-precision tasks with explicit dos/don'ts | Medium |
59
+ | **RACE** | Expert tasks requiring role + context + outcome clarity | Medium |
60
+ | **CARE** | Constraint-driven tasks with explicit rules and examples | Medium |
61
+ | **CTF** | Simple tasks where situational context drives the prompt | Low |
62
+ | **RTF** | Simple, focused tasks where expertise framing matters | Low |
63
+ | **APE** | Ultra-minimal one-off prompts | Low |
64
+ | **BAB** | Rewriting, refactoring, transforming existing content | Low |
65
+ | **Tree of Thought** | Decisions requiring exploration of multiple approaches | Medium |
66
+ | **ReAct** | Agentic / tool-use tasks with iterative reasoning | Medium |
67
+ | **Skeleton of Thought** | Structured long-form content (outline-first) | Medium |
68
+ | **Step-Back** | Principle-grounded reasoning (abstract first, then specific) | Medium |
69
+ | **Least-to-Most** | Compositional multi-hop problems (simplest first) | Medium |
70
+ | **Plan-and-Solve (PS+)** | Zero-shot numerical/calculation reasoning | Low |
71
+ | **Chain of Thought** | Reasoning, problem-solving | Medium |
72
+ | **Chain of Density** | Iterative refinement, summarization | Medium |
73
+ | **Self-Refine** | Iterative output quality improvement (any task) | Medium |
74
+ | **CAI Critique-Revise** | Principle-based critique and revision (Anthropic) | Medium |
75
+ | **Devil's Advocate** | Strongest opposing argument against a position | Low |
76
+ | **Pre-Mortem** | Assume failure, identify specific causes | Low |
77
+ | **RCoT** | Verify reasoning by reconstructing the question | Medium |
78
+ | **RPEF** | Recover/reconstruct a prompt from an existing output | Low |
79
+ | **Reverse Role Prompting** | AI interviews you before executing | Low |
80
+
81
+ ### Quality Scoring System
82
+
83
+ Every prompt is evaluated across:
84
+ - **Clarity** (1-10): Is the goal clear and unambiguous?
85
+ - **Specificity** (1-10): Are requirements detailed enough?
86
+ - **Context** (1-10): Is background information provided?
87
+ - **Completeness** (1-10): Are all necessary elements present?
88
+ - **Structure** (1-10): Is the prompt well-organized?
89
+
90
+ ### Progressive Disclosure
91
+
92
+ - Asks 3-5 targeted questions at a time (never overwhelming)
93
+ - Adapts questions based on framework selection
94
+ - Builds understanding iteratively
95
+ - Confirms assumptions before proceeding
96
+
97
+ ### Continuous Iteration
98
+
99
+ - Shows before/after comparisons with explanations
100
+ - Refines based on your feedback
101
+ - Can switch frameworks if initial choice doesn't fit
102
+ - Continues until you're satisfied
103
+
104
+ ---
105
+
106
+ ## Example Transformation
107
+
108
+ ### Before
109
+ ```
110
+ "Write about machine learning"
111
+ ```
112
+
113
+ **Analysis Scores:**
114
+ - Clarity: 2/10 (vague goal)
115
+ - Specificity: 1/10 (no details)
116
+ - Context: 0/10 (no background)
117
+ - Completeness: 2/10 (missing most elements)
118
+ - Structure: 3/10 (single sentence)
119
+ - **Overall: 1.6/10**
120
+
121
+ ---
122
+
123
+ ### After (CO-STAR Framework)
124
+
125
+ ```
126
+ CONTEXT:
127
+ Creating content for a business blog aimed at C-level executives exploring
128
+ how AI/ML could benefit their organizations. Readers understand business
129
+ strategy but have limited technical ML knowledge. Part of an emerging
130
+ technologies series.
131
+
132
+ OBJECTIVE:
133
+ Create an engaging article helping executives understand practical machine
134
+ learning applications relevant to their companies. Focus on demonstrating
135
+ tangible business value and real-world implementation without overwhelming
136
+ technical details.
137
+
138
+ STYLE:
139
+ Professional blog style combining narrative with bullet points. Include 2-3
140
+ real-world case studies. Structure with clear subheadings every 150-200 words.
141
+ Balance storytelling with concrete information. Avoid jargon; when necessary,
142
+ provide plain-language explanations.
143
+
144
+ TONE:
145
+ Professional yet approachable and conversational. Confident and authoritative
146
+ without being condescending. Practical and business-focused rather than
147
+ theoretical.
148
+
149
+ AUDIENCE:
150
+ C-suite executives and senior managers at mid-to-large enterprises who:
151
+ - Make strategic technology investment decisions
152
+ - Understand business metrics and ROI
153
+ - Have limited technical ML knowledge
154
+ - Value practical examples over theory
155
+
156
+ RESPONSE FORMAT:
157
+ 800-word article structured as:
158
+ - Compelling headline (10 words max)
159
+ - Brief hook (2-3 sentences)
160
+ - 3-4 main sections with descriptive subheadings
161
+ - Mix of paragraphs and bullet points
162
+ - Clear call-to-action conclusion
163
+ ```
164
+
165
+ **Result Scores:**
166
+ - Clarity: 9/10
167
+ - Specificity: 9/10
168
+ - Context: 10/10
169
+ - Completeness: 9/10
170
+ - Structure: 9/10
171
+ - **Overall: 8.8/10**
172
+
173
+ ---
174
+
175
+ ## Supported Frameworks
176
+
177
+ ### CO-STAR (Context, Objective, Style, Tone, Audience, Response)
178
+
179
+ **Best for:** Content creation, writing tasks, communications
180
+
181
+ **Components:**
182
+ - **Context** - Background information and situation
183
+ - **Objective** - Clear goal and purpose
184
+ - **Style** - Writing style and formatting approach
185
+ - **Tone** - Voice and emotional quality
186
+ - **Audience** - Target reader characteristics
187
+ - **Response** - Expected format and structure
188
+
189
+ **Example Use Cases:** Blog posts, emails, presentations, marketing copy, documentation
190
+
191
+ ---
192
+
193
+ ### RISEN (Role, Instructions, Steps, End goal, Narrowing)
194
+
195
+ **Best for:** Multi-step processes, systematic procedures
196
+
197
+ **Components:**
198
+ - **Role** - Expertise and perspective needed
199
+ - **Instructions** - High-level guidance
200
+ - **Steps** - Detailed methodology
201
+ - **End goal** - Success criteria
202
+ - **Narrowing** - Constraints and boundaries
203
+
204
+ **Example Use Cases:** Code reviews, workflows, systematic analysis, project planning
205
+
206
+ ---
207
+
208
+ ### RISE (Dual Variants)
209
+
210
+ #### RISE-IE (Input-Expectation)
211
+ **Best for:** Data analysis, transformations, processing tasks
212
+
213
+ **Components:**
214
+ - **Role** - Expertise needed
215
+ - **Input** - Data format and characteristics
216
+ - **Steps** - Processing methodology
217
+ - **Expectation** - Output requirements
218
+
219
+ **Example Use Cases:** CSV analysis, data processing, file transformations, report generation
220
+
221
+ #### RISE-IX (Instructions-Examples)
222
+ **Best for:** Content creation with reference examples
223
+
224
+ **Components:**
225
+ - **Role** - Expertise needed
226
+ - **Instructions** - Task guidance
227
+ - **Steps** - Workflow process
228
+ - **Examples** - Reference samples
229
+
230
+ **Example Use Cases:** Creative writing, template-based content, style matching
231
+
232
+ ---
233
+
234
+ ### TIDD-EC (Task, Instructions, Do, Don't, Examples, Context)
235
+
236
+ **Best for:** High-precision tasks requiring explicit boundaries
237
+
238
+ **Components:**
239
+ - **Task type** - Nature of the work
240
+ - **Instructions** - What to accomplish
241
+ - **Do** - Explicit positive guidance
242
+ - **Don't** - Explicit negative guidance (what to avoid)
243
+ - **Examples** - Reference samples
244
+ - **Context** - Background information
245
+
246
+ **Example Use Cases:** Code generation with standards, compliance tasks, quality-critical work
247
+
248
+ ---
249
+
250
+ ### CTF (Context, Task, Format)
251
+
252
+ **Best for:** Simple tasks where situational background matters more than expertise framing
253
+
254
+ **Components:**
255
+ - **Context** - Situation and background
256
+ - **Task** - What needs to be done
257
+ - **Format** - Output structure
258
+
259
+ **Example Use Cases:** Handoff documents, mid-project updates, situation-driven requests
260
+
261
+ ---
262
+
263
+ ### RTF (Role, Task, Format)
264
+
265
+ **Best for:** Simple, well-defined tasks where expertise framing drives output quality
266
+
267
+ **Components:**
268
+ - **Role** - Expertise required
269
+ - **Task** - What needs to be done
270
+ - **Format** - Output structure
271
+
272
+ **Example Use Cases:** Quick conversions, simple formatting, straightforward requests
273
+
274
+ ---
275
+
276
+ ### APE (Action, Purpose, Expectation)
277
+
278
+ **Best for:** Ultra-minimal prompts — the simplest structured framework
279
+
280
+ **Components:**
281
+ - **Action** - What to do (one clear verb-driven instruction)
282
+ - **Purpose** - Why it's needed (one sentence)
283
+ - **Expectation** - What a good result looks like
284
+
285
+ **Example Use Cases:** Quick summaries, single-function code, one-off requests, rapid iteration
286
+
287
+ ---
288
+
289
+ ### BAB (Before, After, Bridge)
290
+
291
+ **Best for:** Transforming, rewriting, or refactoring existing content
292
+
293
+ **Components:**
294
+ - **Before** - Current state and what's wrong
295
+ - **After** - Desired end state
296
+ - **Bridge** - Transformation rules and constraints
297
+
298
+ **Example Use Cases:** Code refactoring, copy rewrites, tone changes, document restructuring, version migrations
299
+
300
+ ---
301
+
302
+ ### RACE (Role, Action, Context, Expectation)
303
+
304
+ **Best for:** Medium-complexity tasks needing expertise + background + explicit success criteria
305
+
306
+ **Components:**
307
+ - **Role** - Expertise or persona
308
+ - **Action** - What needs to be done
309
+ - **Context** - Situational background and constraints
310
+ - **Expectation** - What a good result looks like
311
+
312
+ **Example Use Cases:** Technical reviews, expert analysis, contextual recommendations, documentation with standards
313
+
314
+ ---
315
+
316
+ ### CRISPE (Capacity+Role, Insight, Instructions, Personality, Experiment)
317
+
318
+ **Best for:** Comprehensive prompts where you want multiple output variants to compare
319
+
320
+ **Components:**
321
+ - **Capacity & Role** - Expertise level and professional persona
322
+ - **Insight** - Background context and situational knowledge
323
+ - **Instructions** - The specific task
324
+ - **Personality** - Tone, voice, communication style
325
+ - **Experiment** - Request N variants to compare (the defining differentiator)
326
+
327
+ **Example Use Cases:** Marketing campaigns (A/B variants), content with tone options, strategic analysis needing multiple angles
328
+
329
+ ---
330
+
331
+ ### BROKE (Background, Role, Objective, Key Results, Evolve)
332
+
333
+ **Best for:** Business deliverables with measurable outcomes and built-in self-improvement
334
+
335
+ **Components:**
336
+ - **Background** - Situation and context
337
+ - **Role** - Professional persona
338
+ - **Objective** - The task
339
+ - **Key Results** - Measurable business outcomes (OKR-style)
340
+ - **Evolve** - AI self-critiques and suggests 3 improvements
341
+
342
+ **Example Use Cases:** Sales process improvements, content strategy with KPIs, product decisions tied to metrics
343
+
344
+ ---
345
+
346
+ ### CARE (Context, Ask, Rules, Examples)
347
+
348
+ **Best for:** Tasks with explicit constraints, compliance requirements, or quality standards
349
+
350
+ **Components:**
351
+ - **Context** - Situation and background
352
+ - **Ask** - The specific request
353
+ - **Rules** - Explicit constraints, dos/don'ts, standards
354
+ - **Examples** - Reference samples showing the quality bar
355
+
356
+ **Example Use Cases:** Healthcare/legal content, UI error messages, interview questions with bias constraints, brand-compliant copy
357
+
358
+ ---
359
+
360
+ ### Skeleton of Thought (SoT)
361
+
362
+ **Best for:** Structured long-form content — generate outline first, then expand
363
+
364
+ **Approach:**
365
+ - Phase 1: Generate a concise skeleton/outline (key points only)
366
+ - Phase 2: Expand each skeleton point independently (parallelizable)
367
+ - SoT-R variant: Route non-suitable questions to standard generation
368
+
369
+ **Example Use Cases:** Technical documentation, structured reports, tutorials, any multi-section content
370
+
371
+ ---
372
+
373
+ ### Step-Back Prompting
374
+
375
+ **Best for:** Principle-grounded reasoning — abstract to the underlying concept first
376
+
377
+ **Approach:**
378
+ - Generate a higher-level "step-back" question about underlying principles
379
+ - Answer the abstract question to retrieve principles
380
+ - Use those principles as context to answer the original specific question
381
+
382
+ **Example Use Cases:** STEM problems, architecture decisions, debugging, any task where first-principles reasoning matters
383
+
384
+ ---
385
+
386
+ ### Least-to-Most (LtM)
387
+
388
+ **Best for:** Compositional multi-hop problems with ordered dependencies
389
+
390
+ **Approach:**
391
+ - Decompose the complex problem into ordered subproblems (simplest first)
392
+ - Solve each subproblem sequentially, feeding each answer into the next
393
+ - Use accumulated answers to solve the original problem
394
+
395
+ **Example Use Cases:** Multi-domain questions (legal + technical), complex calculations, architecture problems with prerequisites
396
+
397
+ ---
398
+
399
+ ### Plan-and-Solve (PS+)
400
+
401
+ **Best for:** Zero-shot numerical and calculation reasoning
402
+
403
+ **Approach:**
404
+ - "Let's first understand the problem, extract relevant variables and their corresponding numerals, and devise a complete plan. Then, let's carry out the plan, calculate intermediate values, pay attention to computation, and solve the problem step by step."
405
+
406
+ **Example Use Cases:** Financial calculations (MRR, CAC, payback), math word problems, resource estimation, any zero-shot reasoning task
407
+
408
+ ---
409
+
410
+ ### Self-Refine
411
+
412
+ **Best for:** Iterative quality improvement of any output
413
+
414
+ **Approach:** Generate → produce specific actionable feedback → refine → repeat until stopping criterion
415
+ **Research:** Madaan et al. NeurIPS 2023 — +5-40% improvement across 7 task types
416
+
417
+ **Example Use Cases:** Code review and rewriting, writing improvement, plan refinement, pre-submission QA
418
+
419
+ ---
420
+
421
+ ### CAI Critique-Revise
422
+
423
+ **Best for:** Aligning output to an explicit stated principle or standard
424
+
425
+ **Approach:** Initial output → critique against a specific principle → revision addressing every critique point
426
+ **Research:** Anthropic Constitutional AI (arXiv 2212.08073, 2022) — principle-driven alignment
427
+
428
+ **Example Use Cases:** Plain language compliance, brand voice enforcement, epistemic quality (claims vs. assertions), legal/regulatory language standards
429
+
430
+ ---
431
+
432
+ ### Devil's Advocate
433
+
434
+ **Best for:** Generating the strongest possible opposing argument against a position
435
+
436
+ **Approach:** Explicitly instructs the AI to attack a position as forcefully as possible — not balanced, not a straw man, but maximum-strength opposition
437
+ **Research:** ACM IUI 2024 peer-reviewed study
438
+
439
+ **Example Use Cases:** Decision stress-testing, architecture reviews, countering groupthink, stakeholder preparation, debiasing
440
+
441
+ ---
442
+
443
+ ### Pre-Mortem
444
+
445
+ **Best for:** Identifying specific failure causes before they happen
446
+
447
+ **Approach:** Assume the project has already failed → describe the failure → work backwards to specific causes with warning signs
448
+ **Research:** Gary Klein's prospective hindsight — ~30% improvement over forward risk analysis
449
+
450
+ **Example Use Cases:** Project kickoffs, product launches, technical migrations, high-stakes strategic decisions
451
+
452
+ ---
453
+
454
+ ### RCoT (Reverse Chain-of-Thought)
455
+
456
+ **Best for:** Verifying that reasoning addressed all conditions in a multi-constraint question
457
+
458
+ **Approach:** Generate answer → reconstruct the question from the answer → cross-check conditions → correct overlooked items
459
+ **Research:** Academic backward reasoning literature (ACL 2025, NAACL 2025)
460
+
461
+ **Example Use Cases:** Multi-condition logic problems, complex requirements analysis, high-stakes reasoning verification
462
+
463
+ ---
464
+
465
+ ### RPEF (Reverse Prompt Engineering)
466
+
467
+ **Best for:** Recovering a reusable prompt template from an existing output
468
+
469
+ **Approach:** Provide an output (and optionally the input) → AI analyzes it for tone, structure, constraints, persona → generates a reusable template with [PLACEHOLDER] variables
470
+ **Research:** Li & Klabjan, EMNLP 2025 (arXiv 2411.06729)
471
+
472
+ **Example Use Cases:** Recovering lost prompts, codifying successful one-time outputs, building style templates, understanding system prompt behavior
473
+
474
+ ---
475
+
476
+ ### Reverse Role Prompting (AI-Led Interview)
477
+
478
+ **Best for:** Complex tasks where you know the goal but struggle to specify all requirements
479
+
480
+ **Approach:** Provide a minimal intent statement → AI asks targeted clarifying questions → executes once context is complete
481
+ **Research:** FATA framework (arXiv 2508.08308, 2025) — ~40% improvement over standard prompting
482
+
483
+ **Example Use Cases:** Complex strategy tasks, non-expert users, requirements gathering, generating complete prompts from an interview
484
+
485
+ ---
486
+
487
+ ### Tree of Thought
488
+
489
+ **Best for:** Decisions where multiple approaches need systematic comparison
490
+
491
+ **Approach:**
492
+ - Defines the problem and constraints
493
+ - Explores 2-5 distinct solution branches in parallel
494
+ - Evaluates each branch against defined criteria
495
+ - Synthesizes into a reasoned recommendation
496
+
497
+ **Example Use Cases:** Architecture decisions, debugging with multiple hypotheses, technology selection, strategic trade-offs
498
+
499
+ ---
500
+
501
+ ### ReAct (Reasoning + Acting)
502
+
503
+ **Best for:** Agentic tasks that interleave reasoning with tool use
504
+
505
+ **Approach:**
506
+ - Defines goal, available tools, and constraints
507
+ - Alternates Thought → Action → Observation cycles
508
+ - Each observation informs the next thought
509
+ - Continues until goal is reached
510
+
511
+ **Example Use Cases:** Agentic workflows, multi-step research, debugging with tools, data investigation
512
+
513
+ ---
514
+
515
+ ### Chain of Thought
516
+
517
+ **Best for:** Complex reasoning and problem-solving
518
+
519
+ **Approach:**
520
+ - Breaks down reasoning into explicit steps
521
+ - Shows work and intermediate conclusions
522
+ - Verifies logic at each stage
523
+ - Builds to final answer
524
+
525
+ **Example Use Cases:** Math problems, debugging, decision analysis, logical reasoning
526
+
527
+ ---
528
+
529
+ ### Chain of Density
530
+
531
+ **Best for:** Iterative refinement and compression
532
+
533
+ **Approach:**
534
+ - Starts with baseline version
535
+ - Progressively refines through iterations
536
+ - Increases information density
537
+ - Optimizes for specific goals
538
+
539
+ **Example Use Cases:** Summarization, content compression, explanation optimization
540
+
541
+ ---
542
+
543
+ ## Installation
544
+
545
+ Choose the method that matches your AI tool:
546
+
547
+ ### Claude Code
548
+
549
+ **Option A: Plugin system (recommended)**
550
+ ```
551
+ /plugin marketplace add ckelsoe/prompt-architect
552
+ /plugin install prompt-architect@prompt-architect-marketplace
553
+ ```
554
+
555
+ **Option B: npm**
556
+ ```bash
557
+ npm install -g @ckelsoe/prompt-architect
558
+ ```
559
+ The installer runs automatically and copies the skill to `~/.claude/skills/`. Restart Claude Code to load it.
560
+
561
+ **Option C: Interactive multi-agent installer**
562
+ ```bash
563
+ npx @ckelsoe/prompt-architect
564
+ ```
565
+ Detects all installed AI agents and lets you choose where to install.
566
+
567
+ ### ChatGPT
568
+
569
+ ChatGPT natively supports [Agent Skills](https://agentskills.io). Available on Business, Enterprise, Edu, Teachers, and Healthcare plans.
570
+
571
+ 1. Download [`prompt-architect.skill`](https://github.com/ckelsoe/prompt-architect/releases/latest) from GitHub Releases
572
+ 2. In ChatGPT, click your profile icon **Skills**
573
+ 3. Click **New skill** → **Upload from your computer**
574
+ 4. Upload the `.skill` file
575
+
576
+ ### Gemini CLI
577
+
578
+ ```bash
579
+ gemini skills install https://github.com/ckelsoe/prompt-architect.git
580
+ ```
581
+
582
+ Or manually: copy `skills/prompt-architect/` to `~/.gemini/skills/prompt-architect/`
583
+
584
+ ### Cursor, Copilot, Windsurf, Codex CLI
585
+
586
+ Use the interactive installer to auto-detect and install:
587
+ ```bash
588
+ npx @ckelsoe/prompt-architect
589
+ ```
590
+
591
+ Or copy `skills/prompt-architect/` to your tool's skills directory. All of these tools support the [Agent Skills standard](https://agentskills.io) natively:
592
+
593
+ | Tool | Skills directory |
594
+ |------|----------------|
595
+ | **Cursor** | `.agents/skills/` or `.cursor/skills/` (project) |
596
+ | **GitHub Copilot** | `.github/skills/` or `~/.copilot/skills/` |
597
+ | **OpenAI Codex** | `.agents/skills/` (project) or `~/.agents/skills/` |
598
+ | **VS Code, Roo Code, Kiro, Amp, Junie, Goose, 30+ others** | `~/.agents/skills/` (universal) |
599
+
600
+ ### Windsurf
601
+
602
+ Windsurf does not yet support Agent Skills natively:
603
+ ```bash
604
+ cat adapters/for-windsurf.md >> .windsurfrules
605
+ ```
606
+
607
+ ### Any LLM API or Chat Interface
608
+
609
+ Paste the contents of [`adapters/system-prompt.md`](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ckelsoe/prompt-architect/main/adapters/system-prompt.md) into your system prompt field. Works with OpenAI API, Anthropic API, Google Gemini API, Custom GPTs, or any tool with a system prompt.
610
+
611
+ See [`adapters/README.md`](adapters/README.md) for detailed instructions for each platform.
612
+
613
+ ---
614
+
615
+ ## Quick Start
616
+
617
+ After installing, test with:
618
+
619
+ ```
620
+ "Help me improve this prompt: write a technical blog post"
621
+ ```
622
+
623
+ The skill will automatically:
624
+ 1. Analyze your prompt and score it
625
+ 2. Recommend the best framework (likely CO-STAR)
626
+ 3. Ask clarifying questions
627
+ 4. Generate an improved, structured prompt
628
+ 5. Explain the changes made
629
+
630
+ ---
631
+
632
+ ## Updating
633
+
634
+ ```bash
635
+ # npm
636
+ npm update -g @ckelsoe/prompt-architect
637
+
638
+ # Check version
639
+ npm list -g @ckelsoe/prompt-architect
640
+
641
+ # Claude Code plugin
642
+ /plugin update prompt-architect@prompt-architect-marketplace
643
+ ```
644
+
645
+ > **Migrating from v2.x?** The package was renamed from `@ckelsoe/claude-skill-prompt-architect`. See [MIGRATION.md](MIGRATION.md) for details.
646
+
647
+ ---
648
+
649
+ ## Usage
650
+
651
+ ### Basic Usage
652
+
653
+ Simply ask Claude Code to improve any prompt:
654
+
655
+ ```
656
+ "Help me improve this prompt: [your prompt here]"
657
+ ```
658
+
659
+ ### Example Interaction
660
+
661
+ ```
662
+ User: "Help me improve this prompt: create a function to process user data"
663
+
664
+ Skill: I'll analyze this prompt and help improve it.
665
+
666
+ **Analysis**:
667
+ - Clarity: 4/10 (basic goal stated)
668
+ - Specificity: 2/10 (what kind of data? what processing?)
669
+ - Context: 1/10 (no background)
670
+ - Completeness: 2/10 (missing many details)
671
+ - Structure: 3/10 (single sentence)
672
+ - **Overall: 2.4/10**
673
+
674
+ **Recommendation**: RISEN framework (multi-step process requiring methodology)
675
+
676
+ **Questions**:
677
+ 1. What type of user data? (names, emails, profiles, etc.)
678
+ 2. What processing is needed? (validation, transformation, storage?)
679
+ 3. What's the tech stack? (Python, JavaScript, database type?)
680
+ 4. Any constraints? (performance, security requirements?)
681
+ 5. Expected error handling approach?
682
+
683
+ User: "It's a Python function processing CSV user registrations. Need to validate
684
+ emails, normalize names, and save to PostgreSQL. Should handle invalid data gracefully."
685
+
686
+ Skill: Perfect! Let me apply the RISEN framework...
687
+
688
+ [Improved prompt generated with clear role, instructions, steps, end goal, and constraints]
689
+ ```
690
+
691
+ ### Advanced Usage
692
+
693
+ **Request Specific Framework:**
694
+ ```
695
+ "Use the CO-STAR framework to improve: write marketing copy"
696
+ ```
697
+
698
+ **Iterate on Existing Prompts:**
699
+ ```
700
+ "Review this prompt and suggest improvements: [existing structured prompt]"
701
+ ```
702
+
703
+ **Switch Frameworks:**
704
+ ```
705
+ "Try using TIDD-EC instead for more explicit guidance"
706
+ ```
707
+
708
+ ---
709
+
710
+ ## Framework Selection Guide
711
+
712
+ ### Decision Tree
713
+
714
+ ```
715
+ Are you transforming existing content (rewrite, refactor, convert)?
716
+ ├─ YES BAB (Before, After, Bridge)
717
+ └─ NO ↓
718
+
719
+ Is it an agentic/tool-use task?
720
+ ├─ YES → ReAct (Thought-Action-Observation cycles)
721
+ └─ NO
722
+
723
+ Is it a decision between multiple approaches?
724
+ ├─ YES → Tree of Thought (branching exploration)
725
+ └─ NO
726
+
727
+ Is it content/writing focused with audience and tone?
728
+ ├─ YES → CO-STAR
729
+ └─ NO ↓
730
+
731
+ Is it a multi-step process with methodology?
732
+ ├─ YES → RISEN
733
+ └─ NO ↓
734
+
735
+ Is it a data transformation (input → output)?
736
+ ├─ YES RISE-IE
737
+ └─ NO ↓
738
+
739
+ Does it need reference examples?
740
+ ├─ YES RISE-IX
741
+ └─ NO
742
+
743
+ Does it need explicit dos/don'ts?
744
+ ├─ YES TIDD-EC
745
+ └─ NO ↓
746
+
747
+ Is it complex reasoning (one clear path)?
748
+ ├─ YES → Chain of Thought
749
+ └─ NO
750
+
751
+ Does it need iterative refinement?
752
+ ├─ YES → Chain of Density
753
+ └─ NO ↓
754
+
755
+ Is it a numerical/calculation problem (zero-shot)?
756
+ ├─ YES → Plan-and-Solve PS+
757
+ └─ NO
758
+
759
+ Is it compositional / multi-hop (answer A needed before B)?
760
+ ├─ YES → Least-to-Most
761
+ └─ NO ↓
762
+
763
+ Does it need first-principles reasoning?
764
+ ├─ YES → Step-Back Prompting
765
+ └─ NO
766
+
767
+ Is it structured long-form content (multiple semi-independent sections)?
768
+ ├─ YES → Skeleton of Thought
769
+ └─ NO ↓
770
+
771
+ Do you need to recover a prompt from an existing output?
772
+ ├─ YES → RPEF (Reverse Prompt Engineering)
773
+ └─ NO
774
+
775
+ Do you need to clarify requirements before starting?
776
+ ├─ YES Reverse Role Prompting (AI interviews you first)
777
+ └─ NO ↓
778
+
779
+ Do you need to critique, stress-test, or verify something?
780
+ ├─ General quality improvement → Self-Refine
781
+ ├─ Align to explicit principle → CAI Critique-Revise
782
+ ├─ Find opposing argument Devil's Advocate
783
+ ├─ Find failure modes → Pre-Mortem
784
+ └─ Verify conditions weren't missed RCoT
785
+
786
+ Is it a simple task? Choose by primary driver:
787
+ ├─ Expert role matters most → RTF
788
+ ├─ Situational context matters most CTF
789
+ ├─ Need role + context + outcome bar → RACE
790
+ ├─ Business deliverable with KPIs → BROKE
791
+ ├─ Want multiple variants to compare → CRISPE
792
+ ├─ Have explicit rules/constraints → CARE
793
+ └─ Ultra-minimal, one-off → APE
794
+ ```
795
+
796
+ ### Quick Reference
797
+
798
+ | Your Task | Recommended Framework | Why |
799
+ |-----------|----------------------|-----|
800
+ | Write blog post | CO-STAR | Audience and tone critical |
801
+ | Code review process | RISEN | Multi-step with constraints |
802
+ | Analyze CSV data | RISE-IE | Clear input→output transformation |
803
+ | Generate with examples | RISE-IX | Need reference samples |
804
+ | Generate secure code | TIDD-EC | Explicit dos/don'ts needed |
805
+ | Debug logic error | Chain of Thought | Requires reasoning steps |
806
+ | Compress explanation | Chain of Density | Iterative refinement |
807
+ | Simple conversion | RTF | Straightforward, expertise-driven |
808
+ | Mid-project update | CTF | Background is the key driver |
809
+ | Summarize a meeting | APE | Ultra-minimal, one-off |
810
+ | Refactor existing code | BAB | Clear before/after transformation |
811
+ | Rewrite copy for new audience | BAB | Current content → desired state |
812
+ | Architecture decision | Tree of Thought | Multiple approaches to compare |
813
+ | Choose database tech | Tree of Thought | Trade-offs need systematic analysis |
814
+ | Agentic research task | ReAct | Tool use with iterative reasoning |
815
+ | Expert review with context | RACE | Role + background + outcome bar |
816
+ | Financial calculation | Plan-and-Solve (PS+) | Zero-shot + variable extraction |
817
+ | Multi-hop technical question | Least-to-Most | Dependencies must be solved in order |
818
+ | Architecture principle question | Step-Back | Abstract to first principles first |
819
+ | Write structured docs/report | Skeleton of Thought | Outline first, expand second |
820
+ | Marketing copy A/B options | CRISPE | Experiment component generates variants |
821
+ | Business strategy with KPIs | BROKE | Key Results + Evolve self-critique |
822
+ | Healthcare/compliance content | CARE | Explicit rules and quality standards |
823
+ | Improve any output quality | Self-Refine | Multi-dimensional feedback + refine loop |
824
+ | Enforce plain language standard | CAI Critique-Revise | Principle-based critique |
825
+ | Stress-test a strategy | Devil's Advocate | Strongest opposing argument |
826
+ | Project risk analysis | Pre-Mortem | Assumed failure → backward causes |
827
+ | Multi-condition logic verification | RCoT | Backward reconstruction cross-check |
828
+ | Lost/need to recover a prompt | RPEF | Output → reconstructed template |
829
+ | Requirements unclear upfront | Reverse Role Prompting | AI interviews you first |
830
+
831
+ ---
832
+
833
+ ## Project Structure
834
+
835
+ ```
836
+ prompt-architect/
837
+
838
+ ├── README.md # This file
839
+ ├── LICENSE # MIT License
840
+
841
+ └── prompt-architect/ # The skill
842
+ ├── SKILL.md # Core skill instructions (5 KB)
843
+
844
+ ├── scripts/ # Analysis Utilities
845
+ │ ├── framework_analyzer.py # Framework recommendation logic
846
+ │ └── prompt_evaluator.py # Quality scoring system
847
+
848
+ ├── references/ # Framework Documentation
849
+ │ └── frameworks/ # Loaded on-demand
850
+ │ ├── co-star.md # CO-STAR reference (600+ lines)
851
+ │ ├── risen.md # RISEN reference (600+ lines)
852
+ │ ├── rise.md # RISE (IE/IX) reference (700+ lines)
853
+ │ ├── tidd-ec.md # TIDD-EC reference (600+ lines)
854
+ │ ├── ctf.md # CTF reference
855
+ │ ├── rtf.md # RTF reference (500+ lines)
856
+ │ ├── ape.md # APE reference
857
+ │ ├── bab.md # BAB reference
858
+ │ ├── race.md # RACE reference
859
+ │ ├── crispe.md # CRISPE reference
860
+ │ ├── broke.md # BROKE reference
861
+ │ ├── care.md # CARE reference
862
+ │ ├── tree-of-thought.md # Tree of Thought reference
863
+ │ ├── react.md # ReAct reference
864
+ │ ├── skeleton-of-thought.md # Skeleton of Thought reference (ICLR 2024)
865
+ │ ├── step-back.md # Step-Back Prompting reference (Google DeepMind)
866
+ │ ├── least-to-most.md # Least-to-Most reference (Google Brain)
867
+ │ ├── plan-and-solve.md # Plan-and-Solve PS+ reference (ACL 2023)
868
+ │ ├── chain-of-thought.md # CoT reference (500+ lines)
869
+ │ ├── chain-of-density.md # CoD reference (500+ lines)
870
+ │ ├── self-refine.md # Self-Refine (NeurIPS 2023)
871
+ │ ├── cai-critique-revise.md # CAI Critique-Revise (Anthropic 2022)
872
+ │ ├── devils-advocate.md # Devil's Advocate (ACM IUI 2024)
873
+ │ ├── pre-mortem.md # Pre-Mortem (Gary Klein)
874
+ │ ├── rcot.md # Reverse Chain-of-Thought
875
+ │ ├── rpef.md # Reverse Prompt Engineering (EMNLP 2025)
876
+ │ └── reverse-role.md # AI-Led Interview / FATA (arXiv 2025)
877
+
878
+ └── assets/
879
+ └── templates/ # Framework Templates
880
+ ├── co-star_template.txt
881
+ ├── risen_template.txt
882
+ ├── rise-ie_template.txt
883
+ ├── rise-ix_template.txt
884
+ ├── tidd-ec_template.txt
885
+ ├── ctf_template.txt
886
+ ├── rtf_template.txt
887
+ ├── ape_template.txt
888
+ ├── bab_template.txt
889
+ ├── race_template.txt
890
+ ├── crispe_template.txt
891
+ ├── broke_template.txt
892
+ ├── care_template.txt
893
+ ├── tree-of-thought_template.txt
894
+ ├── react_template.txt
895
+ ├── skeleton-of-thought_template.txt
896
+ ├── step-back_template.txt
897
+ ├── least-to-most_template.txt
898
+ ├── plan-and-solve_template.txt
899
+ ├── chain-of-thought_template.txt
900
+ ├── chain-of-density_template.txt
901
+ ├── self-refine_template.txt
902
+ ├── cai-critique-revise_template.txt
903
+ ├── devils-advocate_template.txt
904
+ ├── pre-mortem_template.txt
905
+ ├── rcot_template.txt
906
+ ├── rpef_template.txt
907
+ ├── reverse-role_template.txt
908
+ └── hybrid_template.txt
909
+ ```
910
+
911
+ **Core Components:**
912
+ - **SKILL.md** - Main skill logic and instructions (intent-based selection system)
913
+ - **27 Framework Docs** - Complete references with examples
914
+ - **29 Templates** - Ready-to-use structures (27 frameworks + hybrid + chain variants)
915
+ - **2 Python Scripts** - Analysis and scoring utilities
916
+
917
+ ---
918
+
919
+ ## Documentation
920
+
921
+ ### Framework References
922
+
923
+ Detailed documentation for each framework in `prompt-architect/references/frameworks/`:
924
+
925
+ - **co-star.md** - Context, Objective, Style, Tone, Audience, Response
926
+ - **risen.md** - Role, Instructions, Steps, End goal, Narrowing
927
+ - **rise.md** - Dual variants (IE & IX)
928
+ - **tidd-ec.md** - Task, Instructions, Do, Don't, Examples, Context
929
+ - **ctf.md** - Context, Task, Format
930
+ - **rtf.md** - Role, Task, Format
931
+ - **ape.md** - Action, Purpose, Expectation
932
+ - **bab.md** - Before, After, Bridge
933
+ - **race.md** - Role, Action, Context, Expectation
934
+ - **crispe.md** - Capacity+Role, Insight, Instructions, Personality, Experiment
935
+ - **broke.md** - Background, Role, Objective, Key Results, Evolve
936
+ - **care.md** - Context, Ask, Rules, Examples
937
+ - **tree-of-thought.md** - Branching multi-path exploration
938
+ - **react.md** - Reasoning + Acting (agentic tool use)
939
+ - **skeleton-of-thought.md** - Skeleton-first parallel expansion (ICLR 2024)
940
+ - **step-back.md** - Abstract to principles first (Google DeepMind, ICLR 2024)
941
+ - **least-to-most.md** - Sequential subproblem solving (Google Brain, ICLR 2023)
942
+ - **plan-and-solve.md** - Zero-shot PS+ trigger (ACL 2023)
943
+ - **chain-of-thought.md** - Step-by-step reasoning
944
+ - **chain-of-density.md** - Iterative refinement
945
+ - **self-refine.md** - Generate Feedback Refine (NeurIPS 2023)
946
+ - **cai-critique-revise.md** - Principle-based critique + revision (Anthropic 2022)
947
+ - **devils-advocate.md** - Strongest opposing argument (ACM IUI 2024)
948
+ - **pre-mortem.md** - Assumed failure backward cause analysis (Gary Klein)
949
+ - **rcot.md** - Reverse Chain-of-Thought verification
950
+ - **rpef.md** - Reverse Prompt Engineering (EMNLP 2025)
951
+ - **reverse-role.md** - AI-Led Interview / FATA (arXiv 2025)
952
+
953
+ ---
954
+
955
+ ## Contributing
956
+
957
+ Contributions are welcome! Here's how you can help:
958
+
959
+ ### Ways to Contribute
960
+
961
+ 1. **Add New Frameworks** - Implement additional prompting frameworks
962
+ 2. **Improve Existing Frameworks** - Enhance documentation and examples
963
+ 3. **Bug Fixes** - Report and fix issues
964
+ 4. **Documentation** - Improve guides and examples
965
+ 5. **Testing** - Test with different use cases and report findings
966
+
967
+ ### Adding New Frameworks
968
+
969
+ 1. Research and validate the framework has backing
970
+ 2. Create comprehensive framework reference (see existing in `references/frameworks/`)
971
+ 3. Add template file in `assets/templates/`
972
+ 4. Update SKILL.md framework selection logic
973
+ 5. Test with multiple use cases
974
+ 6. Submit pull request with examples and rationale
975
+
976
+ ### Contribution Guidelines
977
+
978
+ **File Structure:**
979
+ ```
980
+ New framework contributions should include:
981
+ - references/frameworks/your-framework.md (600+ lines with examples)
982
+ - assets/templates/your-framework_template.txt
983
+ - Updates to SKILL.md framework selection
984
+ - Examples in documentation
985
+ ```
986
+
987
+ **Documentation Standards:**
988
+ - Clear component definitions
989
+ - Multiple use case examples
990
+ - Selection criteria explanation
991
+ - Before/after comparisons
992
+ - Research citations
993
+
994
+ **Testing Requirements:**
995
+ - Test with 3-5 diverse prompts
996
+ - Verify scoring improves
997
+ - Check framework selection logic
998
+ - Validate template structure
999
+
1000
+ ### Pull Request Process
1001
+
1002
+ 1. Fork the repository
1003
+ 2. Create a feature branch (`git checkout -b feature/new-framework`)
1004
+ 3. Make your changes following the guidelines
1005
+ 4. Test thoroughly with multiple examples
1006
+ 5. Update relevant documentation
1007
+ 6. Commit with clear messages
1008
+ 7. Push to your fork
1009
+ 8. Submit a Pull Request with:
1010
+ - Clear description of changes
1011
+ - Examples of improvements
1012
+ - Test results
1013
+ - Documentation updates
1014
+
1015
+ ---
1016
+
1017
+ ## License
1018
+
1019
+ This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the [LICENSE](LICENSE) file for details.
1020
+
1021
+ ### License Summary
1022
+
1023
+ **Permissions:**
1024
+ - Commercial use
1025
+ - Modification
1026
+ - Distribution
1027
+ - Private use
1028
+
1029
+ **Conditions:**
1030
+ - License and copyright notice must be included
1031
+
1032
+ **Limitations:**
1033
+ - No liability
1034
+ - No warranty
1035
+
1036
+ ---
1037
+
1038
+ ## Support
1039
+
1040
+ ### Getting Help
1041
+
1042
+ - **Issues** - Report bugs or request features via [GitHub Issues](https://github.com/ckelsoe/prompt-architect/issues)
1043
+ - **Documentation** - Check framework references in `references/frameworks/`
1044
+
1045
+ ### FAQ
1046
+
1047
+ **Q: Why isn't the skill activating?**
1048
+ A: Ensure the skill folder is in the correct location (`~/.claude/skills/prompt-architect/`) and restart Claude Code.
1049
+
1050
+ **Q: Can I use this without Claude Code?**
1051
+ A: Yes! Include SKILL.md content in your Claude API system prompt.
1052
+
1053
+ **Q: Which framework should I use?**
1054
+ A: The skill will recommend one, but check the Framework Selection Guide above.
1055
+
1056
+ **Q: Can I add my own framework?**
1057
+ A: Yes! See the Contributing section for guidelines.
1058
+
1059
+ **Q: Does this work with other LLMs?**
1060
+ A: The frameworks are universal, but the skill is optimized for Claude.
1061
+
1062
+ ---
1063
+
1064
+ **Transforming your prompts with research-backed frameworks**