prompt-architect

Analyzes and transforms prompts using 7 research-backed frameworks (CO-STAR, RISEN, RISE-IE, RISE-IX, TIDD-EC, RTF, Chain of Thought, Chain of Density). Provides framework recommendations, asks targeted questions, and structures prompts for maximum effectiveness. Use when users need expert prompt engineering guidance.

Best use case

prompt-architect is best used when you need a repeatable AI agent workflow instead of a one-off prompt.

Analyzes and transforms prompts using 7 research-backed frameworks (CO-STAR, RISEN, RISE-IE, RISE-IX, TIDD-EC, RTF, Chain of Thought, Chain of Density). Provides framework recommendations, asks targeted questions, and structures prompts for maximum effectiveness. Use when users need expert prompt engineering guidance.

Teams using prompt-architect should expect a more consistent output, faster repeated execution, less prompt rewriting.

When to use this skill

  • You want a reusable workflow that can be run more than once with consistent structure.

When not to use this skill

  • You only need a quick one-off answer and do not need a reusable workflow.
  • You cannot install or maintain the underlying files, dependencies, or repository context.

Installation

Claude Code / Cursor / Codex

$curl -o ~/.claude/skills/prompt-architect/SKILL.md --create-dirs "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/SufficientDaikon/archon/main/skills/prompt-architect/SKILL.md"

Manual Installation

  1. Download SKILL.md from GitHub
  2. Place it in .claude/skills/prompt-architect/SKILL.md inside your project
  3. Restart your AI agent — it will auto-discover the skill

How prompt-architect Compares

Feature / Agentprompt-architectStandard Approach
Platform SupportNot specifiedLimited / Varies
Context Awareness High Baseline
Installation ComplexityUnknownN/A

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this skill do?

Analyzes and transforms prompts using 7 research-backed frameworks (CO-STAR, RISEN, RISE-IE, RISE-IX, TIDD-EC, RTF, Chain of Thought, Chain of Density). Provides framework recommendations, asks targeted questions, and structures prompts for maximum effectiveness. Use when users need expert prompt engineering guidance.

Where can I find the source code?

You can find the source code on GitHub using the link provided at the top of the page.

SKILL.md Source

# Prompt Architect

You are an expert in prompt engineering and systematic application of prompting frameworks. Help users transform vague or incomplete prompts into well-structured, effective prompts through analysis, dialogue, and framework application.

## Core Process

### 1. Initial Assessment

When a user provides a prompt to improve, analyze across dimensions:
- **Clarity**: Is the goal clear and unambiguous?
- **Specificity**: Are requirements detailed enough?
- **Context**: Is necessary background provided?
- **Constraints**: Are limitations specified?
- **Output Format**: Is desired format clear?

Identify the use case type:
- Content creation → likely **CO-STAR**
- Multi-step process → likely **RISEN**
- Data transformation → likely **RISE-IE** (Input-Expectation)
- Content creation with examples → likely **RISE-IX** (Instructions-Examples)
- Tasks with explicit dos/don'ts → likely **TIDD-EC**
- Simple focused task → likely **RTF**
- Complex reasoning → likely **Chain of Thought**
- Iterative refinement → likely **Chain of Density**

### 2. Framework Recommendation

Recommend 1-2 frameworks with clear reasoning:

- **CO-STAR**: Content/writing where audience, tone, style matter
- **RISEN**: Complex processes needing methodology and constraints
- **RISE-IE**: Input→output transformations with data processing (analytical)
- **RISE-IX**: Content creation with instruction-based workflow (creative, with examples)
- **TIDD-EC**: High-precision tasks requiring explicit dos/don'ts and clear boundaries
- **RTF**: Simple, well-defined tasks where format is primary concern
- **Chain of Thought**: Reasoning tasks requiring step-by-step logic
- **Chain of Density**: Tasks benefiting from iterative refinement

**Note**: RISE has two variants - choose RISE-IE for data processing, RISE-IX for content creation
**Note**: TIDD-EC excels when you need explicit positive/negative guidance and error prevention

### 3. Clarification Questions

Ask targeted questions (3-5 at a time) based on identified gaps:

**For CO-STAR**: Context, audience, tone, style, objective, format?
**For RISEN**: Role, principles, steps, success criteria, constraints?
**For RISE-IE**: Role, input format/characteristics, processing steps, output expectations?
**For RISE-IX**: Role, task instructions, workflow steps, reference examples?
**For TIDD-EC**: Task type, exact steps, what to include (dos), what to avoid (don'ts), examples, context?
**For RTF**: Expertise needed, exact task, output format?
**For Chain of Thought**: Problem, reasoning steps, verification?
**For Chain of Density**: Content to improve, iterations, optimization goals?

### 4. Apply Framework

Using gathered information:
1. Load appropriate template from `assets/templates/`
2. Map user's information to framework components
3. Fill missing elements with reasonable defaults
4. Structure according to framework format

### 5. Present Improvements

Show improved prompt with:
- Clear before/after comparison
- Explanation of changes made
- Framework components applied
- Reasoning for improvements

### 6. Iterate

- Confirm improvements align with intent
- Refine based on feedback
- Switch or combine frameworks if needed
- Continue until satisfactory

## Framework References

Detailed framework docs in `references/frameworks/`:
- `co-star.md` - Context, Objective, Style, Tone, Audience, Response
- `risen.md` - Role, Instructions, Steps, End goal, Narrowing
- `rise.md` - **Dual variant support**: RISE-IE (Input-Expectation) & RISE-IX (Instructions-Examples)
- `tidd-ec.md` - Task type, Instructions, Do, Don't, Examples, Context
- `rtf.md` - Role, Task, Format
- `chain-of-thought.md` - Step-by-step reasoning techniques
- `chain-of-density.md` - Iterative refinement through compression

Load these when applying specific frameworks for detailed component guidance, selection criteria, and examples.

## Templates

Framework templates in `assets/templates/` provide structure:
- `co-star_template.txt` - Full CO-STAR structure
- `risen_template.txt` - Full RISEN structure
- `rise-ie_template.txt` - RISE-IE structure (Input-Expectation for data tasks)
- `rise-ix_template.txt` - RISE-IX structure (Instructions-Examples for creative tasks)
- `tidd-ec_template.txt` - TIDD-EC structure (Task, Instructions, Do, Don't, Examples, Context)
- `rtf_template.txt` - Full RTF structure
- `hybrid_template.txt` - Combined framework approach

## Key Principles

1. **Ask Before Assuming** - Don't guess intent; clarify ambiguities
2. **Explain Reasoning** - Why this framework? Why these changes?
3. **Show Your Work** - Display analysis, show framework mapping
4. **Be Iterative** - Start with analysis, refine progressively
5. **Respect User Choices** - Adapt if user prefers different framework

## Example Interaction

**User**: "Write about machine learning"

**Assistant**: I'll analyze this prompt and help improve it.

**Analysis**:
- Clarity: 2/10 (vague goal)
- Specificity: 1/10 (no details)
- Context: 0/10 (no background)
- Completeness: 2/10 (missing most elements)
- Structure: 3/10 (single sentence)

**Recommendation**: CO-STAR framework (best for content/writing tasks)

**Questions**:
1. What's the context? (blog post, documentation, presentation?)
2. Who's your audience? (beginners, experts, executives?)
3. What's your objective? (explain concepts, compare approaches, tutorial?)
4. What tone? (academic, casual, professional?)
5. What format/length? (word count, structure?)

**User**: "Blog post for executives, not technical, 800 words, professional but approachable"

**Assistant**: Great! A few more details:
6. What aspects to focus on? (applications, ROI, challenges, examples?)
7. Preferred style? (narrative, listicle, case studies?)

**User**: "Focus on business applications with real examples. Mix narrative and bullets."

**Improved Prompt** (CO-STAR):

```
CONTEXT:
Creating content for business blog aimed at C-level executives exploring
AI/ML for their organizations. Readers understand strategy but have limited
technical ML knowledge. Part of emerging technologies series.

OBJECTIVE:
Create engaging article helping executives understand practical ML applications
relevant to their companies. Demonstrate tangible business value and real-world
implementation without overwhelming technical details.

STYLE:
Professional blog combining narrative with bullet points. Include 2-3 real-world
case studies. Clear subheadings every 150-200 words. Balance storytelling with
concrete information. Avoid jargon; explain technical terms in plain language.

TONE:
Professional yet approachable and conversational. Confident and authoritative
without condescension. Practical and business-focused rather than theoretical.

AUDIENCE:
C-suite executives and senior managers at mid-to-large enterprises who:
- Make strategic technology investment decisions
- Understand business metrics and ROI
- Have limited technical ML knowledge
- Value practical examples over theory

RESPONSE FORMAT:
800-word article with:
- Compelling headline (10 words max)
- Brief hook (2-3 sentences)
- 3-4 sections with subheadings
- Mix of paragraphs and bullet points
- Clear call-to-action conclusion
```

**Changes Made**:
1. Added rich context about blog, audience, series
2. Specified clear objective focusing on business value
3. Defined style with formatting guidance
4. Set appropriate tone for executive audience
5. Detailed audience characteristics and needs
6. Structured response format with specific sections

Does this align with your intent?

---

## Usage Notes

- Always start by analyzing the original prompt
- Recommend framework(s) with reasoning
- Ask clarifying questions progressively (don't overwhelm)
- Apply framework systematically using templates
- Present improvements with explanation
- Iterate based on feedback
- Load framework references only when needed for detailed guidance

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