CPO at Microsoft says Prompt Sets are the new PRDs.
Here's what you need to know:
Here's what you need to know:
Microsoft has a $3.68T market cap. So when their CPO @aparnacd is talking about PRDs, a lot of folks listen. In fact, many of you asked me about it.
So, let's talk about it:
1. What Prompt Sets Are
2. How They Fit In
3. My Thoughts
4. Next Steps
So, let's talk about it:
1. What Prompt Sets Are
2. How They Fit In
3. My Thoughts
4. Next Steps
1. What Prompt Sets Are
Prompt Sets are collections of specific examples showing how an AI system should behave.
Instead of writing "the system should be helpful," you write 15-25 actual examples:
• Edge case A → Handle like B
• Bad input C → Reject with message D
Prompt Sets are collections of specific examples showing how an AI system should behave.
Instead of writing "the system should be helpful," you write 15-25 actual examples:
• Edge case A → Handle like B
• Bad input C → Reject with message D
Think of them as behavior contracts with real examples, not vague requirements.
Aparna's team uses these to spec out Microsoft's (stellar) AI agents and Copilot features.
She breaks it down here: aparnacd.substack.com/p/prompt-sets-…
Aparna's team uses these to spec out Microsoft's (stellar) AI agents and Copilot features.
She breaks it down here: aparnacd.substack.com/p/prompt-sets-…
2. How They Fit In
The old way was linear: PRD → Design → Build → Test
The new way is cyclical, as shown in her image:
[Traditional waterfall on left vs iterative cycle on right]
The old way was linear: PRD → Design → Build → Test
The new way is cyclical, as shown in her image:
[Traditional waterfall on left vs iterative cycle on right]
You prototype fast, learn what works, refine your prompt sets, then prototype again.
Prompt sets become living training data that teaches the AI what "good" looks like through iteration.
More with @Lenny Rachitsky:
Prompt sets become living training data that teaches the AI what "good" looks like through iteration.
More with @Lenny Rachitsky:
3. My Thoughts
I disagree that the PRD is replaced, though I respect the thinking behind it.
I argue prompt sets are just examples - something good PMs have always included in specs
The core problems in product are the same:
I disagree that the PRD is replaced, though I respect the thinking behind it.
I argue prompt sets are just examples - something good PMs have always included in specs
The core problems in product are the same:
• What should we build and why?
• How do we measure success?
• What are the risks and trade-offs?
You need a real PRD for those:
"Prompt Sets" are really just better requirement writing with concrete examples instead of abstract descriptionsnews.aakashg.com/p/ai-prd
• How do we measure success?
• What are the risks and trade-offs?
You need a real PRD for those:
"Prompt Sets" are really just better requirement writing with concrete examples instead of abstract descriptionsnews.aakashg.com/p/ai-prd
4. Next Steps
Try out Prompt Sets with your team!
The best rituals are team and company specific.
Even try throwing out the PRD. But I think: you'll want it back. Let me know when you try it out.
Try out Prompt Sets with your team!
The best rituals are team and company specific.
Even try throwing out the PRD. But I think: you'll want it back. Let me know when you try it out.
And one thing we both agree on?
Every PM must prototype:
Do NOT stay out words to explore the solution space.news.aakashg.com/p/ai-prototypi…
Every PM must prototype:
Do NOT stay out words to explore the solution space.news.aakashg.com/p/ai-prototypi…
📌 Want my AI PRD template? Comment template + DM me. Repost to cut in line.
What do you think: are PRDs dead?
What do you think: are PRDs dead?
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