Taxonomy in AI Prompting: When creativity meets structure
An AI answer can feel like talking to an eccentric expert. Sometimes you get an anecdote, sometimes just buzzwords, sometimes a method you had not expected. Fascinating, but hardly predictable.
If you need consistency, whether for coaching profiles, content frameworks, or research analysis, free text quickly reaches its limits. That is where taxonomy begins to shine.
From chaos to order: What taxonomy does
A taxonomy is not just a list. It is a thinking framework: categories, subcategories, branches. A tree that prevents information from scattering.
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Without taxonomy:
“David Goggins is disciplined, he trains hard and never gives up.” -
With taxonomy:
- Discipline Architecture → Anti-Procrastination Systems → Immediate Action Principle: “He acts immediately, without hesitation.”
- Mental Mastery Abilities → Pain Reframing: “He reframes pain and uses it as fuel.”
The second version reads almost like a manual. More technical, yes – but precise and reusable.
''' { "Core_Transformation_Skills": { "Mental_Mastery": ["Pain Reframing"], "Discipline_Architecture": ["Immediate Action Principle"] }, "Foundational_Values_System": ["Radical responsibility"], "Discipline_Psychology": ["No procrastination through immediate action"], "Signature_Methodologies": ["40% Rule", "Cookie Jar", "Accountability Mirror"], "Transformation_Vision": ["Global impact through radical self-discipline"] } '''
Why it matters
- Consistency: Answers follow the same logic, no matter how often the prompt is repeated.
- Comparability: Apply the same grid to Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, or Serena Williams, and patterns emerge.
- Reusability: The results can flow directly into databases, dashboards, or apps.
- Learning aid: Instead of scattered anecdotes, you get a clear matrix.
Pitfalls to watch out for
- Over-engineering: For one-off queries, the complexity is excessive.
- Token consumption: Every additional structure takes up context space.
- Rigid grids: Sometimes content simply does not fit – and still gets forced in.
When taxonomy is worth it
- When you build recurring profiles of people, methods, or theories.
- When systematic comparison matters.
- When results need to flow into automated systems.
- When you design a course or coaching framework that requires a stable structure.
For a quick brainstorming session, a short list prompt is usually enough.
Conclusion
Taxonomy in prompting is like an exoskeleton for knowledge. It limits flexibility, but makes outputs stronger, more consistent, and longer lasting.
Whether it is worth the effort depends on the goal. For sparks of creativity, no taxonomy is needed. For systematic work, it becomes a secret backbone of high-quality AI results.