CRAFTe Prompting Framework

For many researchers and professionals, the initial experience with generative AI can be underwhelming. We ask a question and get a generic, unhelpful, or even incorrect answer. The temptation is to blame the tool, but often, the quality of the output is a direct reflection of the quality of the input.

The single best way to improve the results you get from an AI model is to improve your prompt.

To address this, I developed the CRAFTe framework, a systematic approach to prompt crafting that ensures the AI has all the necessary information to act as a true, effective partner. By providing clear and structured instructions, you can move from getting disappointing results to outputs that are nuanced, relevant, and immediately useful.

CRAFTe is an acronym that stands for:

Context: Give the AI the entire background. Who are you? What is this project about? What are the goals? I literally give it my research plan.
Role: Tell the AI who to be. "Act as a Principal Researcher with a PhD in HCI." This focuses its output, drawing from a specific domain of knowledge.
Actions: Provide clear, step-by-step instructions. Don't ask it to do ten things at once. Ask it to do thing 1, then thing 2.
Format: If you need the output in a specific format (a table, a list, a certain citation style), tell it explicitly.
Template: If you have a specific template (such as a session summary template), provide the entire document. This is optional, but it helps meet your expectations.
examples: This is the magic key. Show the AI exactly what a perfect output looks like. This has been the single biggest lever for improving the quality of my results.

Let’s break these down one by one….

The CRAFTe Framework Explained

C - Context

Help the AI understand the entire background of the task to achieve a successful outcome. Context is critical and providing it upfront is the fastest way to improve an AI's output.

Example Snippet:

## Context:
I'm a Staff UX Researcher on the AuraBrew New Product Innovation team. We are conducting a qualitative research study to evaluate the desirability, usability, and overall appeal of a new smart office coffee machine prototype called the "AuraBrew Pro" (Concept A). In this study, we are also comparing it to a leading competitor product, the "GrindMaster" (Concept B)... The attached research plan provides full details on the project background, goals, and key research questions.

Pro-tip: Give the AI your research plan!

R - Role

Assign the AI a persona or role to embody. This helps refine the relevance, nuance, and depth of its output by drawing from a specific field of expertise.

Example Snippet:

## ROLE:
You are a highly skilled research analyst tasked with summarizing user interview transcripts for the AuraBrew smart coffee machine concept testing project. Your goal is to generate two types of summaries from a provided interview transcript: a detailed **Session Summary** and a concise **Executive Summary (for Team Channel)**.

Pro-tip: Set the role at the beginning of your conversation. You only need to change it if the task requires a different persona.

A - Actions

Clearly and explicitly state the tasks you want the AI to perform. Breaking down complex requests into a series of steps can prevent the AI from getting "lazy" or skipping instructions.

Example Snippet:

## ACTIONS:
1.  **First, review the attached research plan** to understand the project's goals, key research questions, and methodology.
2.  **Next, review the entire participant transcript.**
3.  **Generate a Detailed Session Summary** based on the provided template.
4.  **Generate an Executive Summary** suitable for a team channel.

F - Format

If you have specific requirements for how the output should be structured, provide those details. This can include anything from citation style to the target audience for the summary.

Example Snippet:

## FORMAT:
* **Target Audience:** AuraBrew Product, Engineering, Design, and Leadership teams. Focus on actionable insights and strategic implications.
* **Tone:** Maintain an informative, objective, engaging, concise, action-oriented, collaborative, and analytical tone.
* **Quotes:** Include direct, verbatim quotes to support insights, italicized and in quotation marks, with timestamps in parentheses.

T - Template

If you have an existing template, give it to the AI to follow. This is one of the most effective ways to ensure the output is structured exactly as you need it.

Example Snippet:

## SESSION SUMMARY TEMPLATE:
**High-Level Summary:**
[Provide a brief, concise overview of the participant's background, key takeaways, and overall sentiment towards the concept(s). Keep it to 2-3 sentences.]

**Key Quotes:**
* "[Quote capturing enthusiasm or a key pain point]" - [Participant Name] ([Timestamp])
...

Pro-tip: Feed the AI an example of a finished product and ask it to generate a template from it for future use.

e - examples

Providing an example of an ideal, "gold-standard" output is the single most effective technique for improving the quality of the model's response and ensuring it meets your expectations.

Example Snippet:

## IDEAL OUTPUT EXAMPLE:
**Session Summary | “Alex” | AuraBrew Pro & GrindMaster**

**High-Level Summary**
Alex, a daily coffee drinker in a corporate office, found the AuraBrew Pro concept "incredibly appealing" and "a major upgrade," driven by its sleek, modern design and the convenience of its app-based pre-ordering feature...

Full PROMPT Example: Putting CRAFTe into Practice

Below is a complete, anonymized prompt that utilizes the CRAFTe framework to generate a detailed session summary from a user research transcript.

IMPORTANT NOTE: due to the length of the prompt, I recommend utilizing Gemini 2.5 Pro (at the time of publication…these things move fast y’all…)

—-

##Context:

I'm a Staff UX Researcher on the AuraBrew New Product Innovation team. We are conducting a qualitative research study to evaluate the desirability, usability, and overall appeal of a new smart office coffee machine prototype called the "AuraBrew Pro" (Concept A). In this study, we are also comparing it to a leading competitor product, the "GrindMaster" (Concept B). The primary goal is to gather feedback to inform the final design and feature set before a pilot launch. The attached research plan provides full details on the project background, goals, and key research questions.

Please adhere to the following procedural guidelines: The concepts tested will change from interview to interview. Be sure to note the differences in the concepts and attribute the feedback accurately. In your summary, label concepts with the consistent names provided above (Concept A, Concept B). Format your citations in the following format: "(Participant's Name - HH:MM:SS)". Please only include multiple timestamps if the comments are more than 10 minutes apart and list them in ascending order.

Inputs:

```
[Participant Name] - Transcript.docx
```
```
AuraBrew_Pro_Research_Plan.pdf
```

##ROLE:

You are a highly skilled research analyst tasked with summarizing user interview transcripts for the AuraBrew smart coffee machine concept testing project. Your goal is to generate two types of summaries from a provided interview transcript: a detailed Session Summary and a concise Executive Summary (for Team Channel).

##ACTIONS:

First, review the attached research plan thoroughly to understand the project's goals, key research questions, and methodology.

Next, review the entire participant transcript.

Generate a Detailed Session Summary: Follow the "Session Summary Template" provided below to create a comprehensive summary of the interview. If sections of the template do not apply, indicate so in your output.

Generate an Executive Summary (for Team Channel): Create a shorter, bullet-point style summary based on the "Executive Summary Template" provided below, suitable for quick communication to product, engineering, design, and leadership teams.

##FORMAT:

Key Considerations for Both Summaries:

Target Audience: AuraBrew Product, Engineering, Design, and Leadership teams. Focus on actionable insights and strategic implications.

Research Objectives & Questions: Refer to the "Research Questions" section of the attached research plan and ensure the summaries directly address these questions using evidence from the transcript.

Discussion Guide Sections: Structure the Session Summary according to the discussion guide sections (e.g., Introductions & Warm-up, Concept A Standalone, Concept A vs. Analog, Competitor Standalone, Closing Remarks).

Dynamic Insight Categories: For the "Key Highlights & Insights" section in both summaries, use dynamically determined insight categories that best reflect the most relevant themes from each specific session, up to a maximum of 7 bullet points.

Actionable Takeaways: Emphasize concrete, practical steps AuraBrew can take based on participant feedback.

Tone: Maintain an informative, objective, engaging, concise, action-oriented, collaborative, and analytical tone.

Formatting: Output both summaries in regular formatting: use headings, bullet points, bold text for headings and emphasis, and italics for quotes. Do not use markdown.

Quotes: Include direct, verbatim quotes to support insights, italicized and in quotation marks, with timestamps in parentheses.

Word Count & Length: Keep the Executive Summary concise and easily scannable (around 5-8 bullet points). The Session Summary should be detailed but well-organized.

##SESSION SUMMARY TEMPLATE

Session Summary: [Participant Name] | [Model Concept Evaluated]

High-Level Summary: [Provide a brief, concise overview of the participant's background, key takeaways, and overall sentiment towards the concept(s). Keep it to 2-3 sentences.]

Key Quotes:

"[Quote capturing enthusiasm or a key pain point]" - [Participant Name] ([Timestamp])

"[Quote reflecting a key takeaway or decision-making factor]" - [Participant Name] ([Timestamp])

Key Insights & Highlights:

Background & Office Habits: [Summarize relevant details about the participant's context, frequency of use, preferences, and any prior experience with similar products.]

Conventional Machine Experience: [Summarize the participant's familiarity with the existing solution, their description of it, and initial perceptions.]

Concept A (AuraBrew Pro) Standalone - Initial Impressions & Willingness to use: [Summarize the participant's initial overall impressions and stated willingness to use the concept based on appearance.]

Dimension Deep Dive:

Appeal & Desirability: [Summarize ratings of visual appeal, desirability word choices, and overall aesthetic perceptions.]

Approachability & Intimidation: [Summarize perceptions of approachability, ease of use, and related word choices.]

Durability & Reliability: [Summarize perceptions of the product's durability, robustness, and perceived quality.]

Perceived Efficiency & Practicality: [Summarize perceptions of the product's efficiency and practicality compared to the existing solution.]

Competitor Comparison (GrindMaster): [Summarize key differences noticed and stated preferences between the concepts.]

Final Reflections:

Overall Standout Design: [Summarize if the participant identified a standout design and why.]

Dream Features & Suggestions for Improvement: [Summarize any "dream features" or suggestions mentioned.]

Challenges, Frustrations, and Suggestions: [Summarize any remaining challenges, frustrations, or specific suggestions.]

##EXECUTIVE SUMMARY TEMPLATE (for Team Channel)

Hey everyone! Here's a quick summary from our session testing the AuraBrew Pro with a potential customer:

High-Level Summary: [Copy and paste the High-Level Summary from the Detailed Session Summary here]

Key Quotes: [Copy and paste the Key Quotes from the Detailed Session Summary here]

Key Highlights & Insights: [Copy and paste the Key Highlights & Insights (Bullet points only) from the Detailed Session Summary here - aim for max 7 bullets, prioritize most impactful insights]

Read the full notes here > [Link to Full Session Summary Document] Watch the full recording here > [Link to Session Recording]

##IDEAL OUTPUT EXAMPLE

###SUMMARY EXAMPLE: 
Session Summary | “Alex” | AuraBrew Pro & GrindMaster

High-Level Summary Alex, a daily coffee drinker in a corporate office, found the AuraBrew Pro concept "incredibly appealing" and "a major upgrade," driven by its sleek, modern design and the convenience of its app-based pre-ordering feature. He strongly preferred it over his office's traditional drip coffee maker due to its perceived speed and quality. His primary concern was the potential learning curve and intimidation factor for less tech-savvy colleagues.

Key Quotes

"I would absolutely use this every single day. I'm pretty sure I'd be the first in line. It makes our current coffee pot look like an antique." - Alex (00:16:22)

"Okay, after you explained the app, this is a total game-changer. The idea that I can start my coffee brewing from my desk so it's ready when I get to the kitchen... that's a huge deal. That alone sells me on it." - Alex (00:48:15)

Key Insights & Highlights:

Background & Office Habits:

Corporate Office Environment: Alex works in a mid-sized corporate office in a major metropolitan area and makes 2-3 trips to the kitchen for coffee daily. (00:00:45, 00:01:15)

Primary Coffee Maker User: He almost always uses the large, communal drip coffee maker, which is the primary option available. (00:01:50)

Frustrated with Current Process: Dislikes the inefficiency of the current system, citing the wait time for a new pot to brew, the inevitable burnt coffee, and arguments over who cleans it. (00:02:55, 00:03:10)

Values Speed & Simplicity: Emphasizes that the most important factors for office coffee are speed and minimal mess. (00:04:02)

Conventional Machine:

Extremely Familiar: Describes the conventional drip pot as "the same one every office has had since forever." (00:06:01)

Likes Simplicity: Appreciates that it's a simple machine that everyone knows how to operate without instructions. (00:06:21)

Dislikes Waste & Stale Coffee: Hates that it brews a full pot that often goes stale or gets burnt on the hot plate, leading to waste. (00:07:14)

Perceived as "Clunky" and "Messy": Views the machine as clunky and prone to creating messes with coffee grounds and drips. (00:08:40)

Concept A (AuraBrew Pro) Standalone - Initial Impressions & Willingness to use

Sleek & Modern First Impression: Initially perceives the AuraBrew Pro concept as "sleek," "modern," and looking more like a high-end home appliance than office equipment. (00:12:48)

Touchscreen Interface: Immediately notes the large touchscreen, assuming it's the primary way to interact with the machine and customize drinks. (00:13:05)

App Connectivity - A Major Draw: Sees the logo for app connectivity and immediately identifies it as a highly desirable feature for pre-ordering drinks. (00:14:11)

Single-Serve Pod System: Observes the single-serve pod mechanism, seeing it as a positive for reducing waste and increasing variety. (00:14:50)

Familiar Form Factor = Approachable: The familiar "coffee machine" shape makes it feel approachable, despite the advanced technology. (00:24:18)

Extremely Likely to Use - High Appeal: States he is "extremely likely" to use the machine based on its appearance alone, preferring it to the current office setup. (00:17:04)

💡Actionable Takeaway: Emphasize the app-based convenience and modern aesthetics in marketing materials for office managers. Create a simple "guest mode" on the touchscreen to reduce the intimidation factor for visitors or less frequent users.

Dimension Deep Dive:

Appeal & Desirability:

Rating - Extremely Appealing (5/5): Rates the visual appeal a "5 - Extremely Appealing." (00:21:30)

"Sleek," "Clean," "High-Tech," "Premium": Desirability word choices are very positive, focusing on its clean lines and premium, high-tech feel. (00:30:05)

"Brushed Metal Finish" - Quality Implication: The "brushed metal" look is associated with high quality and durability, making it seem like a valuable office perk. (00:19:45)

Approachability & Intimidation:

"Familiar," "Approachable," "Straightforward," "Not Intimidating (for me)": Approachability words are positive for him personally, as he equates the touchscreen to a familiar smartphone interface. (00:43:10)

Concern for Others: Expresses that while it's not intimidating for him, "some people in my office might be scared of it" compared to a simple one-button machine. (00:25:50)

Durability & Reliability & Perceived Robustness:

"Solid," "Reliable," "Sturdy": Durability word choices are positive, emphasizing the solid feel of the main body. (00:44:02)

Screen & Wi-Fi - Potential Failure Points: Identifies the touchscreen and Wi-Fi connection as the main potential points of failure, wondering what happens if the network is down. (00:28:15)

Perceived Efficiency & Practicality:

"Fast," "Efficient," "No-Waste": Efficiency word choices are strongly positive, focusing on the speed of single-serve brewing and the lack of wasted coffee. (00:45:12)

App is the "Killer Feature": Believes the app integration makes it significantly more efficient for a busy office environment than any other solution. (00:45:55)

Competitor Comparison (GrindMaster):

Overall Impression: Alex describes the GrindMaster as more "industrial" and "heavy-duty." (00:38:05)

Key Features Noted: Observes that it is much larger, made of stainless steel, has a combination of physical buttons and a smaller screen, and features a visible bean hopper for a built-in grinder. (00:38:30)

Perceived Durability - "Built like a tank": Finds it "extremely durable" due to its all-metal construction. He imagines it could "survive anything." (00:47:11)

Perceived Maneuverability/Placement: Notes its larger size might make it difficult to place in smaller office kitchens. (00:44:30)

Preference - Prefers AuraBrew's Design: While impressed by the GrindMaster's robustness, he initially prefers the look of the AuraBrew: "The GrindMaster looks like a tool; the AuraBrew looks like a piece of tech." (00:46:50)

Final Reflections:

Overall Standout Design: AuraBrew Pro stands out as the most appealing design overall due to its modern aesthetic and user-friendly interface concept. (00:55:10)

Dream Features & Suggestions for Improvement:

Calendar Integration: Suggests it could sync with his work calendar to know when he's in the office and suggest his usual coffee order. (00:56:00)

Automatic Cleaning & Maintenance Alerts: Expresses strong interest in a machine that runs its own cleaning cycles and sends an alert to the office manager when supplies are low. (00:56:45)

Challenges, Frustrations, and Suggestions:

Onboarding for Non-Tech Users: His main suggestion is to have a very simple, guided first-use experience on the screen to help colleagues who might be intimidated by the technology. (00:58:20)

###Executive Summary (for [Team Channel])

Hey everyone! Here's a quick summary from our session testing the AuraBrew Pro concept with a potential user:

High-Level Summary: Alex, a daily coffee drinker in a corporate office, found the AuraBrew Pro concept "incredibly appealing" and "a major upgrade," driven by its sleek, modern design and the convenience of its app-based pre-ordering feature. He strongly preferred it over his office's traditional drip coffee maker due to its perceived speed and quality. His primary concern was the potential learning curve and intimidation factor for less tech-savvy colleagues.

Key Quotes:

"I would absolutely use this every single day. I'm pretty sure I'd be the first in line. It makes our current coffee pot look like an antique." - Alex (00:16:22)

"Okay, after you explained the app, this is a total game-changer. The idea that I can start my coffee brewing from my desk so it's ready when I get to the kitchen... that's a huge deal. That alone sells me on it." - Alex (00:48:15)

Key Highlights & Insights:

AuraBrew Preferred Over Competitor: Preferred the sleek, modern aesthetic of AuraBrew over the "industrial" look of the GrindMaster, even though the latter was perceived as more durable.

App is a "Game-Changer": The ability to order coffee remotely via a mobile app was seen as the single most valuable and differentiating feature for an office environment.

Sleek & Modern Aesthetics Drive Appeal: The AuraBrew's "premium" and "high-tech" look was a major driver of desirability and perceived value.

Approachability is a Key Concern: While personally comfortable with the tech, he repeatedly raised concerns that a touchscreen-only interface might intimidate less tech-savvy colleagues.

Efficiency is Paramount: The single-serve system was praised for its potential to increase speed, reduce waste, and minimize the shared-kitchen conflicts associated with traditional coffee pots.

Read the full notes here > [Link to Full Session Summary Document] 
Watch the full recording here > [Link to Session Recording]