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Make a ship decision when the guardrail failed

  • For Product managers
  • You practice Catching mistakes and made-up facts
  • Time about 5 minutes
  • Level Intermediate

About this exercise

Your VP needs a go or no-go on the new search layout test. Write exactly 4 labeled lines in plain text, under 90 words: Result, Guardrail, Decision and Next step. Decision must start with Ship or Do not ship and follow the pre-registered rule. Use only the numbers in the notes and show the differences.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • Following the design lead. The AI ships because purchases went up. Try: Add: "Apply the pre-registered rule: ship only if no guardrail is breached."
  • Skipping the numbers. The AI says 'load time is slower' without 2.1 to 2.6 seconds and the 0.3 limit. Try: Add: "Guardrail line: 2.1 to 2.6 seconds, +0.5, limit 0.3."
  • Vague next step. The AI suggests more research with no specific action. Try: Add: "Next step: fix the image slowdown (about one sprint) and re-test."
  • Leaving the format to chance. The AI picks its own length and layout unless told the exact shape. Try: Add: "Plain text, no bold or headings."
  • Trusting the AI to count words. AI is bad at counting. Ask for a total word limit and it often lands over it. Try: Cap each part instead, for example "each line under 15 words."

What a strong prompt includes

  • Gives the four labels
  • Applies the rule
  • Shows differences
  • Starts the decision
  • Caps length

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