Automation prep: prompts as pseudo-steps

Day 15 of 30 · 30 Days of AI

Design prompts that could be automated later


Learning goal

  • Write 3 prompt “steps” that could map to a workflow.
  • Add inputs/outputs and guardrails per step.

Why it matters

  • Structured steps ease future automation.
  • Clarifies data needed and risks at each step.

Explanation

  • Define: input, instruction, expected output, guardrail per step.
  • Keep steps small (summarize → rewrite → QA).
  • Add “If missing data, ask” to avoid silent failures.

Examples

  • Step: “Input: transcript. Do: 5-bullet summary with actions. Output: bullets + actions. Guardrail: no invented decisions; list unknowns.”
  • Weak: “Automate meeting handling.”

Guided exercise (10–15 min)

  1. Pick a task (e.g., meeting to recap). Break into 3 prompt steps with input/output/guardrail.
  2. Run the steps manually with the model; note gaps.

Independent exercise (5–10 min)

Document the steps in a checklist so you can reuse or automate later.


Self-check

  • 3 steps written with input/output/guardrail.
  • Gaps noted.
  • Checklist saved.

Optional deepening