Prompt Engineering
AI Discovery Prompt
A free, open research prompt framework for anyone who wants focused, relevant answers from AI tools instead of generic surface-level responses. Includes the ready-to-paste Discovery Prompt, a plain-language explanation of the five-layer structure behind it, three worked case studies, and guidance on building equivalent prompts independently.
Published in 2026 by Masonsoft Technology Ltd and released under a Creative Commons CC BY-SA licence, The Discovery Prompt is a free, open framework for transforming AI research from generic to genuinely useful. It is designed for two kinds of reader: those who want to paste a prompt and start immediately, and those who want to understand why structured prompts work so they can apply the principle themselves.
Part One provides the quick-start guide, explaining how the prompt works and where to find it. Part Two explains the five layers that make any research prompt effective: the topic and purpose, the user's context and situation, the choice of expert analytical lens, the scope and boundaries of the research, and the preferred output format. Three detailed case studies show the five layers applied across different scenarios, demonstrating the contrast between bare questions and layered prompts.
The guide closes with practical instructions on building layered prompts independently, guidance on responsible use, and data protection considerations for users working with sensitive or confidential information. Appendix A contains the full Discovery Prompt in ready-to-paste XML format, compatible with Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, and other conversational AI platforms that support multi-turn dialogue.