Good inputs usually include:
- the product idea
- the target user
- time and team constraints
- any stack preferences or restrictions
- what "done today" means
Use prompts like:
Reduce this idea to a one-day MVP for 3-4 technical participants. Separate must-haves from nice-to-haves and flag the riskiest parts.
Turn this scoped idea into parallel workstreams with acceptance criteria, dependencies, and a suggested timebox plan.
Recommend a simple stack and architecture for this idea. Optimize for low setup risk, fast iteration, and a believable demo.
- ask for file-by-file generation, not vague full systems
- start with the thinnest end-to-end path
- ask Codex to explain assumptions before large code generation
- keep humans reviewing integration points and dependency choices
Example:
Generate the minimal project structure and the first working slice for this plan. Keep dependencies light and include short setup notes.
- ask for a practical smoke test plan
- generate setup notes as you go
- use Codex to draft the PR summary while evidence is still fresh
Check for:
- scope creep
- unnecessary complexity
- missing failure handling
- vague setup instructions
- unverified claims
- Scoping: "Challenge this idea and make it feasible in one day."
- Planning: "Split this into small parallel tasks for our team."
- Architecture: "Compare two stack options and recommend one."
- Build: "Generate the first thin slice and keep it reviewable."
- Quality: "Create the fastest validation plan that still gives confidence."
- Demo: "Turn this into a 3-minute story with clear evidence."