What’s the secret to getting better generative AI results for your instructional design work? It starts with how you prepare your prompt.
A well-crafted prompt has three key parts:
1. The Framework.
The first step is to prepare the framework. Before you type a single word into your AI tool, get clear on the purpose of the prompt. What’s the reason for your inquiry? Are you generating a task analysis, designing a case study, or creating an image? Share any relevant background information about your target audience. Who are the learners and what do they already know? This foundation tells the AI model what world it’s working in.
2. The Parameters.
The second step is to specify the parameters. Decide how you want the output formatted. Think about things like word count, desired length, paragraphs, or a step-by-step list. Be specific about the style. Do you want simple or complex sentences? What tone would you like the output to have? You can also specify words to use or words to avoid.
Think of this as briefing a very capable colleague—the more detail you give, the better the output.
3. The Prompt.
The third step it to write the prompt. Remember to always start with an action verb. For example, you might ask AI to “generate a task analysis,” “create an image,” “design quiz questions,” “write a lesson outline,” or “develop a case study scenario.” It’s that action verb that signals to the AI tool exactly what you want it to do.
When you structure your prompts in this way, you stop getting generic output and start getting results you can actually use.
Additional Resource: A Simple 3-Step AI Prompt Formula for Training
Want to put these prompting techniques into practice? In our Enhancing Instructional Design with AI workshop, you’ll learn how to write effective prompts, analyze AI-generated output, and apply AI strategically to your instructional design work.