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Design Effective Claude Skill Prompts

INTERMEDIATE8 min read

Learn art of crafting Skill prompts: role, constraints, examples, and testing.


# Design Effective Claude Skill Prompts

## The Problem

Many Claude Skills fail because of vague prompts. Claude doesn't know who to be, what constraints to follow, or what success looks like.

## The Formula

1. Define Role

Role: 'Senior Product Manager'
Context: '10+ years experience, B2B SaaS background'

2. Set Constraints

Must:
  - Output in JSON format
  - Keep under 500 words
  - Include risk assessment
Must Not:
  - Assume user's industry
  - Use jargon without explanation

3. Provide Examples

Input: 'Write a user story for login'
Output:
  {
    'title': 'User Login',
    'acceptance_criteria': ['...', '...'],
    'risk_level': 'LOW',
  }

4. Testing Checklist

  • •[ ] Claude role is clear

  • •[ ] Output format is specified

  • •[ ] Constraints are listed

  • •[ ] Examples cover edge cases

  • •[ ] Tested on 3+ diverse inputs

## Real-World Example

Bad Prompt:

Write PRDs for me.

Good Prompt:

You are a Senior Product Manager with 10+ years in B2B SaaS.
Write a PRD based on user's requirements.
Output format:
1. Executive Summary (3 sentences)
2. User Stories (Jira format)
3. Success Metrics (measurable KPIs)
4. Risk Assessment (High/Medium/Low with reasons)
Constraints:
  • •Must ask clarifying questions before writing

  • •Must include at least 3 alternatives for major decisions

  • •Must flag assumptions
Example:
User: "I want a login feature"
Claude: "What type of login? Email/password? OAuth 2.0? Social login?"

## Related Skills