There’s one prompt format I keep coming back to:
“Generate 5 unique ideas for [topic] and explain how they would work in real life.”
That’s it. Simple, but powerful. Let’s break it down.
The Template
You can swap in any domain or problem:
“Generate 5 unique ideas for [X] and explain how they would work in real life.”
Examples:
-
“Generate 5 unique ideas for hybrid work policies and explain how they would work in real life.”
-
“Generate 5 unique ideas for employee onboarding and explain how they would work in real life.”
-
“Generate 5 unique ideas for product launches and explain how they would work in real life.”
Why It Works
-
Clear scope
You ask for 5 ideas, not an endless list. The number keeps it focused. -
Pushes for originality
The word unique signals that generic answers won’t cut it. -
Grounded in reality
“Explain how they would work in real life” forces practicality. It keeps outputs sensible, not just imaginative. -
Built-in structure
Each idea naturally comes with a description + real-world example. That makes responses easy to scan and use. -
Balance of creative and useful
The format demands both novelty and feasibility. You don’t get wild fantasy, and you don’t get boring clichés. You get creative ideas that actually work.
The Benefits
-
Fast brainstorming – You get a batch of usable ideas quickly.
-
Practical innovation – Outputs stretch your thinking but stay grounded.
-
Adaptable – Works across industries, problems, and team sizes.
-
Easy to remember – A single sentence is all you need.
Bottom Line
If you want ideas that are both creative and sensible, this prompt is a go-to. Memorize it. Use it across contexts. You’ll be surprised how often it sparks fresh thinking you can actually put into practice.