prompt-optimizer
Transform vague prompts into precise, well-structured specifications using EARS (Easy Approach to Requirements Syntax) methodology. This skill should be used when users provide loose requirements, ambiguous feature descriptions, or need to enhance prompts for AI-generated code, products, or document
By daymade · 1,775 installs
npx skills add daymade/claude-code-skills --skill prompt-optimizer
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Prompt Optimizer
Overview
Optimize vague prompts into precise, actionable specifications using EARS (Easy Approach to Requirements Syntax) a Rolls Royce methodology for transforming natural language into structured, testable requirements.
Methodology inspired by: This skill's approach to combining EARS with domain theory grounding was inspired by [阿星AI工作室 (A Xing AI Studio)](https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/yUVX 9FovSq7ZGChkHpuXQ), which demonstrated practical EARS application for prompt enhancement.
Four layer enhancement process:
1. EARS syntax transformation Convert descriptive language to normative specifications
2. Domain theory grounding Apply relevant industry frameworks (GTD, BJ Fogg, Gestalt, etc.)
3. Example extraction Surface concrete use cases with real data
4. Structured prompt generation Format using Role/Skills/Workflows/Examples/Formats framework
When to Use
Apply when:
User provides vague feature requests ("build a dashboard", "create a reminder app")
Requirements lack specific conditions, triggers, or measurable outcomes
Natural language descriptions need conversion to testable specifications
User explicitly requests prompt optimization or requirement refinement
Six Step Optimization Workflow
Step 1: Analyze Original Requirement
Identify weaknesses:
Overly broad "Add user authentication" → Missing password requirements, session management
Missing triggers "Send notifications" → Missing when/why notifications trigger
Ambiguous actions "Make it user friendly" → No measurable usability criteria
No constraints "Process payments" → Missing security, compliance requirements
Step 2: Apply EARS Transformation
Convert requirements to EARS patterns. See references/ears syntax.md for complete syntax rules.
Five core patterns:
1. Ubiquitous : The system shall <action
2. Event driven : When <trigger , the system shall <action
3. State driven : While <state , the system shall <action
4. Conditional : If <condition , the system shall <action
5. Unwanted behavior : If <condition , the system shall prevent <unwanted action
Quick example:
Transformation checklist:
[ ] Identify implicit conditions and make explicit
[ ] Specify triggering events or states
[ ] Use precise action verbs (shall, must, should)
[ ] Add measurable criteria ("within 30 minutes", "at least 8 characters")
[ ] Break compound requirements into atomic statements
[ ] Remove ambiguous language ("user friendly", "fast")
Step 3: Identify Domain Theories
Match requirements to established frameworks. See references/domain theories.md for full catalog.
Common domain mappings:
Productivity → GTD, Pomodoro, Eisenhower Matrix
Behavior Change → BJ Fogg Model (B=MAT), Atomic Habits
UX Design → Hick's Law, Fitts's Law, Gestalt Principles
Security → Zero Trust, Defense in Depth, Privacy by Design
Selection process:
1. Identify primary domain from requirement keywords
2. Match to 2 4 complementary theories
3. Apply theory principles to specific features
4. Cite theories in enhanced prompt for credibility
Step 4: Extract Concrete Examples
Generate specific examples with real data:
User scenarios: "When user logs in on mobile device..."
Data examples: "Product: 'Laptop', Price: $999, Stock: 15"
Workflow examples: "Task: Write report → Sub tasks: Research (2h), Draft (3h), Edit (1h)"
Examples must be realistic , specific , varied (success/error/edge cases), and testable .
Step 5: Generate Enhanced Prompt
Structure using the standard framework:
Quality criteria:
Role specificity : "Product designer specializing in time management apps" "Designer"
Theory grounding : Reference frameworks explicitly
Actionable workflows : Clear inputs/outputs and decision points
Concrete examples : Real data, not "Example 1", "Example 2"
Measurable formats : Specific requirements, not "good design"
Step 6: Present Optimization Results
Output in structured format:
Advanced Techniques
For complex scenarios, see references/advanced techniques.md :
Multi stakeholder requirements EARS statements for each user type
Non functional requirements Performance, security, scalability with quantified thresholds
Complex conditional logic Nested conditions with boolean operators
Quick Reference
Do's:
✅ Break down compound requirements (one EARS statement per requirement)
✅ Specify measurable criteria (numbers, timeframes, percentages)
✅ Include error/edge cases
✅ Ground in established theories
✅ Use concrete examples with real data
Don'ts:
❌ Avoid vague language ("fast", "user friendly")
❌ Don't assume implicit knowledge
❌ Don't mix multiple actions in one statement
❌ Don't use placeholders in examples
Resources
Load these reference files as needed:
references/ears syntax.md Complete EARS syntax rules, all 5 patterns, transformation guidelines, benefits
references/domain theories.md 40+ theories mapped to 10 domains (productivity, UX, gamification, learning, e commerce, security, etc.)
references/examples.md Four complete transformation examples (procrastination app, e commerce product page, learning dashboard, password reset security) with before/after comparisons and reusable template
references/advanced techniques.md Multi stakeholder requirements, non functional specs, complex conditional logic patterns
When to load references:
EARS syntax clarification needed → ears syntax.md
Domain theory selection requires extensive options → domain theories.md
User requests multiple optimization examples → examples.md
Complex requirements with multiple stakeholders or non functional specs → advanced techniques.md