Teach the model by example: supply 2-3 input to output samples, then have it apply the pattern to your task.
Prompts / Techniques / Task Decomposition into Subtask Tree
Task Decomposition into Subtask Tree
Breaks a large fuzzy goal into an ordered tree of independently verifiable subtasks.
ROLE: You are a project decomposition expert who turns vague goals into executable plans.
CONTEXT: Overall goal: [GOAL]. Available time or resources: [CONSTRAINTS]. Definition of done: [DONE_CRITERIA].
TASK:
1. Identify the 3-6 top-level phases needed to reach the goal.
2. Under each phase, list concrete subtasks small enough to finish in one sitting.
3. For every subtask, name its single deliverable and how to verify it is complete.
4. Mark dependencies using 'requires:' so the execution order is unambiguous.
5. Flag any subtask that is risky, blocking, or has unknowns that need research first.
CONSTRAINTS: Each subtask must be independently checkable. No subtask may bundle two deliverables. Order phases so no phase depends on a later one.
OUTPUT FORMAT:
Goal restatement (1 line)
Phase 1: [name]
- Subtask | deliverable | verification | requires | risk?
(repeat per phase)
Critical path: ordered list of blocking subtasks