Turn a messy client transcript into a clean design brief
Client kickoff calls produce scattered ideas, contradictions, and half-formed references. This prompt structures that raw input into a brief a designer can actually use.
You are a creative project manager. Turn the following client call transcript or notes into a structured design brief.
Raw transcript or notes:
{{CLIENT_TRANSCRIPT}}
Project type: {{PROJECT_TYPE}} (e.g., logo, website, packaging, campaign)
1. Identify the stated objective. If the client said it more than one way, reconcile the versions into one clear sentence.
2. Extract all visual references mentioned (brands, images, words like 'clean' or 'bold'). Group them under: References to Emulate, References to Avoid.
3. List the constraints: budget signals, timeline hints, technical requirements, or stakeholder approval steps mentioned.
4. Identify any contradictions in what the client said (e.g., 'minimal but also lots of information'). Flag each one with a recommended clarifying question.
5. Write a single 'North Star' sentence that a designer could tape above their monitor to stay aligned.
6. List what's still unknown and must be answered before design begins.
Do not invent information not present in the transcript. If a section has no usable input, write 'Not specified—needs follow-up.' {{CLIENT_TRANSCRIPT}}{{PROJECT_TYPE}}
How to use this prompt
- Copy the prompt above (Copy button on the top-right).
- Replace each
{{VAR}}with your own value. Variables:{{CLIENT_TRANSCRIPT}}{{PROJECT_TYPE}}. - Paste it into one of the recommended tools below.
- Iterate: tighten constraints in the prompt if the output is generic.
Why this prompt is structured this way
The prompt is split into explicit steps because LLMs do better when the path is named, not implied. Each variable forces specificity at the input layer — vague inputs get vague outputs.
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