By Marc Boudria, Chief Innovation Officer at BetterEngineer, Edited by Marina Fontoura
Because AI isn’t just about productivity, it’s about possibility.
Think of prompting an AI like ordering at a chaotic cosmic diner: you can say “food,” and you’ll probably get something. But if you say, “I want a crunchy, nostalgic snack that tastes like childhood regret and goes well with cartoons from the '90s,” you’re way more likely to get a bowl of something unforgettable.
The trick? Exposition is your superpower. The more clearly you set the scene, emotionally, visually, the better AI can meet you halfway. Great prompts are detailed and vivid. They give the AI a vibe to vibe with. So when in doubt, go weirder, go deeper, and always add one detail too specific to be random. That’s where the magic happens.
Doing fun things with AI isn’t just creative, it’s a gateway to AI literacy for the next generation. Introducing kids to AI through projects that reflect their interests helps demystify the tech and shows them it’s something to collaborate with, not fear. You might even co-create a “vibe-coded” app together, based on their wildest ideas, like a program that tracks their baseball stats, or one that tells them which LEGO bricks they’d need to build a haunted castle with retractable wings. You’re not just making a cool tool—you’re shaping how they think about future tech.
Tip |
What It Means |
1. Set the scene |
Add details like mood, setting, or era to frame the output. |
2. Give it a role |
Ask AI to act like a character: “as a noir detective,” “as a children’s book narrator,” etc. |
3. Be weirdly specific |
Details spark creativity: “notebook full of fish puns” beats “funny writing.” |
4. Use formats |
Try: “Write a Yelp review/press release/eulogy/field guide…” |
5. Add a twist |
End with: “Then make it a haiku.” or “Now add a subplot about haunted vending machines.” |
Build a thrill ride around your worst habits.
“Design a theme park based on procrastination, perfectionism, and fear of commitment.”
Bring fictional tech worlds to life.
“Pitch a startup solving communication problems between telepathic whales and blockchain developers.”
Synthesize the improbable.
“Write a short product description for a line of emotional support drones that only speak in cowboy poetry.”
Translate the subconscious into audio.
“I was walking through a tunnel of melting violins while it rained glass petals—turn that into ambient music.”
Let AI cook with chaos.
“I’m nostalgic and a little tired. I have chickpeas, cinnamon, yogurt, and a single sweet potato.”
Long before ChatGPT started dreaming up mood-based meals, Chef Watson was doing this back in 2014 and it even led to a full cookbook published by IBM and the Institute of Culinary Education. My team and I actually built an AI-powered bartender for TGI Fridays in 2016 using Chef Watson’s backend. We created a whole interactive experience showcasing how AI could generate custom cocktail recipes on demand (BTW the Bartenders LOVED it, It gave them a great framework for them to flex their skills). It was way ahead of its time—and honestly, still one of the most fun and futuristic demos I’ve ever helped create.
Anthropomorphize weather systems into linguists.
“Create a cloud language used during storm season to talk about seafoam drama.”
Tuck in your synthetic children.
Example:
“Write a bedtime story for a scared little robot who thinks quantum processors will replace them.”
Put your anxiety on a wellness retreat.
“Plan a relaxing weekend for my impostor syndrome and fear of missing out. Include spa treatments and conflict resolution exercises.”
From dreams to dice rolls.
“I dreamed of a snake made of clocks that whispers regrets—turn that into a full D&D encounter.”
My wife and I actually have an entire GPT dedicated to our Solasta characters. We spent around four hours co-creating every detail, from backstories and personalities to spell selection and equipment, using AI as our design partner. It’s even guided us through leveling decisions, factoring in both our play styles and long-term character arcs. The result? A way deeper and more immersive experience than we ever expected.
Collaborate to build chaos.
“Fill in the blanks: In the year [____], the [adjective] [profession] discovered [object] beneath the [place], unleashing a [emotion]-fueled [creature]…”
AI doesn’t have to be all dashboards and data crunching; it can be a co-conspirator in weirdness, a springboard for storytelling, or a mirror held up to your oddest thoughts. Whether you're trying to make a robot cry, take your anxiety on vacation, or translate cloud gossip, the secret is the same: a good prompt is an invitation to play.
So get weird. Get vivid. And if your D&D party gets eaten by a jellyfish startup founder from a haunted theme park filled with Mimics, you’re doing it right.