# Scenario Prompts

These are the prompts Ellen used throughout the demo. Each one is adapted from the actual conversation — they're written to be reused. Swap out the business context and they work for any project.

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## 1. Mapping the unknowns

Use this at the very start of a project, before you know what questions to ask. The goal is to get a structured map of what you need to find out — and in what order.

> I've been thinking about [idea]. Before I go any further I need to know what I don't know. Help me map out the unknowns.

**What it produces:** A structured list of questions and dependencies — split into things you can research from your desk and things that need someone on site or a direct conversation.

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## 2. Research — planning and regulatory requirements

Use this when you need to understand the legal and regulatory landscape for a project. Be as specific as you can about your location and what you're trying to do.

> I'm in [council area] in Scotland and I want to [describe the project in one sentence]. What are the planning permission requirements for [change of use / type of work], and what building warrant requirements apply in Scotland for this type of [conversion / build / change]? Are there any specific regulations around [relevant technical areas] I should be aware of?

**What it produces:** A clear overview of the regulatory requirements — planning, building warrant, any specialist rules. Good starting point before speaking to a planning consultant or council.

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## 3. Stress testing an idea

Use this when you have a worked-up proposal and want it challenged before you commit. The key instruction is "don't be kind" — otherwise you'll get encouragement.

> I've done my research and put together a working proposal. I'm sharing it below.
>
> I want you to stress test it. Don't be encouraging — find the weak assumptions, the things I'm glossing over, and the scenarios where this goes wrong. I'm particularly interested in whether the financial model holds up, whether the revenue projections are realistic for a [type of business] of my size, and where the [planning / build / operational] risks are.
>
> When you've identified the problems, help me think through which ones are fatal and which ones are manageable. I want to come out of this with either a stronger version of the proposal or a clear reason to stop.
>
> [Paste your proposal here]

**What it produces:** A direct, structured critique of your proposal — problems ranked by severity, with a clear steer on which issues are fatal versus manageable. Often restructures your thinking significantly.

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## 4. Generating a floor plan sketch

Use this with a tool that supports image input (Claude, Gemini). Attach a rough hand-drawn sketch of what you want. The key constraints: the existing door position, and the instruction not to invent features that aren't on your sketch.

> I'm converting a small [describe the building — size, construction type] into [describe the use] for [describe the context].
>
> The desired layout is shown in the attached plan. Please draw this as a neat sketched overhead plan roughly to scale showing the key dimensions and features. I need something good enough to send to a builder for quotes but not as detailed or formal as an architect's drawing.
>
> Pay particular attention to the location of the existing door (cannot be moved). Do not invent any walls, pillars or internal structures that are not shown on the plan.

**What it produces:** A clean overhead plan sketch suitable for sending to a builder or contractor for an initial quote.

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## 5. Interior concept visualisation

Use this after you have a floor plan. Describe the mood and style in detail — the more specific you are, the more useful the result.

> I'm converting a small [describe the building] into [describe the use]. I want a photorealistic interior concept render showing what the finished space could look like.
>
> The building is [describe the structure — ceiling height, key architectural features]. Style: [describe the aesthetic in plain terms — warm and natural, not clinical; exposed stone; timber accents; soft lighting]. [Describe the specific spaces and what you want them to feel like — a sentence per room.]
>
> Mood: [one sentence on the overall feel you're after].
>
> Prompt 1: Create an isometric cutaway of the plan.
> Prompt 2: Make an internal rendering of the concept.

**What it produces:** Visual concept renders you can use to communicate the vision to builders, show to a bank manager, or share with potential guests.

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## 6. Comparing quotes from suppliers or contractors

Use this when you have quotes in different formats — emails, screenshots, PDFs — and want them compared objectively. Works well when you have messy or partial information.

> I'm comparing quotes from [number] [suppliers / contractors / providers] for [describe the work]. I've attached [describe what you're attaching — a WhatsApp screenshot, an email, a PDF].
>
> Please:
> 1. Extract the key numbers and terms from each quote into a comparison table
> 2. Note what's included and excluded in each
> 3. Flag anything that makes a direct comparison difficult

**What it produces:** A clean comparison table with inclusions, exclusions, and any flags where the quotes can't be directly compared. Saves significant time and often surfaces things you'd have missed.
