Scratchpad Technique: Structured Considering with AI

The scratchpad technique fundamentally changes how we interact with Large Language Models (LLMs). Unlike traditional prompting where we simply state our request and hope for the very best, the scratchpad technique creates a structured thought process that each you and the LLM can follow.

Consider this common scenario: When asking an LLM to investigate customer purchase patterns, a typical prompt might simply request the evaluation directly. The result? Often a rushed or misaligned response that misses key considerations. Here’s where the scratchpad technique proves transformative.

As an alternative of diving straight into the answer, the scratchpad technique introduces a critical planning phase. Through the use of tags, you create an area where the LLM can:

Map out its approach before execution
• Break down complex problems into manageable components
• Discover potential pitfalls early
• Allow for course correction before investing time within the unsuitable direction

The true power lies in transparency. When you may see how the LLM plans to tackle your request, you may catch misunderstandings immediately and guide it toward your intended end result.

Constructing Your First Scratchpad

The fundamental structure of a scratchpad prompt consists of three key elements:

The Initial Request: Present your task clearly, but don’t stop there. Include context about your goals and any specific requirements.
1. The Scratchpad Directive:Direct the LLM to plan its approach using tags. Be specific about what you wish to see within the planning phase.
2. The Review Loop: Examine the proposed approach and refine as needed before proceeding with the total response.

Let’s walk through a practical example. Relatively than simply requesting a market evaluation, here’s how you may structure it:

A basic scratchpad response will look something like this:

This strategy planning stage reveals the LLM’s intended focus areas. In the event you notice it’s missing crucial elements – perhaps battery technology innovation or charging infrastructure partnerships – you may redirect before receiving an entire but off-target evaluation.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Vague Planning Directives: Don’t just ask the LLM to “plan its approach.” Request specific elements you wish to see within the scratchpad, akin to methodology, data points, or analytical frameworks.
1. Skipping the Review Step: The scratchpad is not only for show – it is your opportunity to course-correct. Take time to guage if the proposed approach aligns along with your needs.
2. Insufficient Context: While the scratchpad helps organize considering, it will possibly’t compensate for unclear initial requirements. Be specific about your needs, audience, and intended use of the knowledge.

Beyond the Basics

When tackling LLM projects, crafting the best initial prompt becomes crucial.

Listed below are some prompt ideas for multi-layered challenges. Remember to incorporate as much context in the shape of attached documents or text as possible:

Product Launch Strategy Prompt:

• “I want to develop a comprehensive product launch strategy. Using tags, break down your approach for analyzing market positioning, competitive landscape, and go-to-market planning. Consider potential information gaps and dependencies between these elements before providing any recommendations.”

Budget Planning Prompt:

• “Help me create a departmental budget for next 12 months. Before providing numbers, use tags to stipulate your methodology for considering historical data, growth projections, and resource allocation. Flag any assumptions you will need to make on this process.”

Project Risk Assessment Prompt:

• “We’re launching a brand new enterprise software system. Before listing potential risks, use tags to map out how you will approach risk identification across technical, operational, and business dimensions. Include your framework for prioritizing these risks.”

Each of those prompts:

Clearly states the top goal
• Requests specific planning elements
• Identifies key areas requiring consideration
• Encourages systematic considering before solution generation

Note: These prompts are fairly easy examples. You possibly can get very detailed and complicated depending on the use case.

The secret’s being explicit about wanting to see the planning process before getting solutions. This prevents rushed responses and ensures thorough consideration of all relevant aspects.

As mentioned, these prompts can (and will) be further customized by:

Adding specific industry context
• Including known constraints
• Specifying required outputs
• Mentioning particular methodologies you wish to be considered

Remember: The more complex the duty, the more vital it becomes to see the LLM’s planned approach before it generates solutions.

Advance Your Prompt Engineering Skill Through

Learn Prompting →

The scratchpad technique helps us transform the interaction between humans and LLMs. By implementing this structured approach, organizations and professionals can move beyond easy prompt-response patterns to realize more sophisticated, reliable outcomes. This system proves particularly beneficial in environments where accuracy, consistency, and transparent reasoning are paramount to decision-making processes.