In this example, I’ll break down the complex prompt provided into a more structured, step-by-step ToT format. ToT prompting is an approach that breaks down reasoning into steps, allowing multiple branches of reasoning to be explored before finalizing a response. This process mimics human thinking in complex decision-making or brainstorming.
Original Prompt
“I am designing a website and want to ensure a seamless user experience. Can you suggest 4 error prevention techniques that I should integrate into my design? Specifically, I want to prevent errors related to website loading latency and ensure that users have a clear understanding of the error and why it is happening. Please provide examples of how these techniques have been successfully implemented in other designs to improve user satisfaction.”
ToT Prompting Breakdown (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Define the Problem
- Break down the main areas of concern.
- Thought Branch 1: What is meant by “seamless user experience”?
- Thought Branch 2: What specific errors are related to loading latency?
Define the Problem Sub-Prompt:
What are the key elements of a seamless user experience, particularly in relation to website loading latency? How do users typically react to these issues?
Step 2: Error Prevention Techniques
- Generate a broad list of potential solutions.
- Thought Branch 1: Techniques for reducing loading latency.
- Thought Branch 2: Techniques for improving communication to users regarding errors.
Error Prevention Sub-Prompt:
Why does [specific reason] cause slow loading times?
Can you list some proven techniques to reduce website loading latency, along with methods to improve communication about errors users may face?
Step 3: Explore Each Technique in Detail
- Focus on each technique and its role in error prevention.
- Thought Branch 1: Techniques directly reducing latency (e.g., content delivery networks (CDNs)).
- Thought Branch 2: Techniques to improve error communication (e.g., informative error messages, loading indicators).
Exploration Sub-Prompt:
What are the key implementation steps for integrating a CDN to reduce latency, and how can clear error messaging support users during moments of delay?
For each element in Prompt 1, what are some techniques web designers can use to prevent or mitigate the issues associated in Prompt 1?
Step 4: Examples of Successful Implementation
- Request specific real-world examples.
- Thought Branch 1: How did successful websites reduce latency?
- Thought Branch 2: How were error prevention techniques integrated into these designs?
Example Request Sub-Prompt:
Can you provide examples of websites that have successfully reduced loading times using these techniques and how they effectively communicated errors to users, improving satisfaction?
or
Can you give me some examples of websites that have successfully implemented these techniques? How do they improve user satisfaction?
Step 5: Synthesize and Evaluate
- Combine the ideas and evaluate their effectiveness.
- Thought Branch 1: Which techniques have the highest impact on latency?
- Thought Branch 2: Which error messaging techniques lead to the most user satisfaction?
Evaluation Sub-Prompt:
Based on your previous answers, which of these techniques are the most effective for reducing latency while keeping users informed about potential issues?
Final Reworked Prompt (in ToT Style):
Step 1:
When it comes to providing a seamless user experience, what are the primary concerns related to website loading latency, and how do they typically affect user perception?
Step 2:
Can you suggest a list of error prevention techniques to address website loading latency? What are some methods to clearly communicate loading delays or errors to users?
Step 3:
For each error prevention technique, please explain how it can be applied. Specifically, how can a CDN reduce latency, and what best practices can be used to communicate errors?
Step 4:
Can you provide successful examples from other websites that have reduced loading times and improved error messaging, enhancing user satisfaction?
Step 5:
Which of these techniques would you consider the most effective in preventing latency-related issues while ensuring users have a clear understanding of any errors that occur?
Learning Points
- Sequential reasoning: Each step builds on the last, exploring various branches of thought before a solution is reached.
- Expanding each idea: ToT prompts guide the model to explore multiple aspects of a problem, ensuring thorough coverage of different angles before final conclusions.
- Evaluation and synthesis: The final step combines the best of the different explored branches, resulting in a well-rounded solution.
This approach demonstrates how Tree-of-Thought prompting helps expand thinking and makes reasoning more transparent, especially in complex problem-solving scenarios. This step-by-step approach not only helps the AI provide better answers but also makes the reasoning process transparent to everyone.
About Lance Lingerfelt
Lance Lingerfelt is an M365 Specialist and Evangelist with over 20 years of experience in the Information Technology field. Having worked in enterprise environments to small businesses, he is able to adapt and provide the best IT Training and Consultation possible. With a focus on AI, the M365 Stack, and Healthcare, he continues to give back to the community with training, public speaking events, and this blog.
