Strong
Still valid
Problem decomposition, root-cause analysis, assumptions, alternatives, risk analysis, scenario thinking and no-action comparison.
2026 EDITION•Refined from the viral “20 prompts” format
The Problem-Solving Prompt System
Twenty reasoning patterns for turning vague questions into structured, verifiable decisions — rebuilt for modern AI instead of “magic prompt” folklore.
20reasoning patterns
5decision stages
1master workflow
0needless role-play
Fact-check verdict
Useful foundation. Outdated packaging.
The original infographic contains many sound analytical moves, but it treats them as twenty separate “must-have prompts.” A better 2026 approach is modular: specify the objective, context, constraints, verification standard and output — then invoke only the reasoning patterns the problem actually needs.
Needs refinement
Too generic
“Act as an expert,” “creative solutions,” and “fastest path” need criteria, evidence discipline, trade-offs and uncertainty handling.
Missing
Verification layer
The original largely omits fact / inference separation, source checking, confidence calibration and explicit triggers for changing the recommendation.
Interactive framework
20 reasoning patterns
Search, filter, expand and copy only what you need. The point is not to use all twenty every time.
Prompt composer
Build one serious prompt.
Use a single structured brief instead of chaining twenty isolated instructions.
Complete the fields above, then tap “Generate prompt.”
Modern method
From prompt collection to decision system
1
FrameDefine the decision, desired outcome and boundaries.
2
DiagnoseSeparate symptoms, causes, assumptions and missing evidence.
3
GenerateCreate genuinely distinct alternatives and a baseline.
4
EvaluateUse consistent criteria, risks, scenarios and counterfactuals.
5
Decide + executeState confidence, unresolved uncertainty, next actions and reversal conditions.
Quality control
The verification discipline
For consequential work, instruct the model to distinguish supplied facts, established facts, inference, assumptions and speculation. Ask what evidence would materially change the answer. This is more valuable than adding theatrical phrases such as “act as the world’s best expert.”
Decision-grade output
Recommendation → strongest reasons → trade-offs → confidence → unresolved uncertainties → immediate next action → conditions that would change the recommendation.
ImageFirm AI
Better prompts are not longer.
Better prompts are not longer.
They are better specified.
Use the patterns as modular reasoning tools, not as ritual. The strongest prompt is the shortest one that captures the objective, evidence, constraints, decision criteria and required output.
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