Explain two-step sign-in to your grandma

About this exercise

Your grandma just got a banking app and asked what 'two-step sign-in' is. Explain it in at most 3 sentences using her own front door's two locks as the comparison, and include the one warning she most needs: never read a code to anyone who calls. No tech words (no 2FA, MFA, authentication or OTP). Plain text, under 70 words.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

• A long tech explanation. The AI explains factors and codes in a paragraph she won't finish. Try: Limit it: "At most 3 short sentences."
• A generic comparison. The AI picks its own analogy, like a bank vault, instead of something she knows. Try: Say: "Compare it to the two locks on her front door."
• Skipping the warning. The AI explains what it is but not the trick she already faced. Try: Add: "Warn her never to read a code to anyone who calls."
• Tech words. The AI uses 2FA and authentication, which make her more nervous. Try: Ask: "No 2FA, MFA, authentication or OTP."
• Letting markdown in. AI adds bold and headings by default, and in a text to Grandma they show up as stray symbols. Try: Add: "Plain text only, no bold, no headings."

What a strong prompt includes

• Says who it's for
• Gives the comparison
• Includes the warning
• Limits the sentences
• Asks for plain text

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