constraint-specification
Defining output format, length, tone, and content boundaries within prompts.
- Installs
- 375
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Install
Works with every agent the skills CLI supports.
npx skills add https://github.com/owl-listener/ai-design-skills --skill constraint-specification- 01
Install
Run the command in your project. The CLI asks which agents to install for.
- 02
Describe the task
Ask your agent for something this skill covers. It loads constraint-specification automatically when relevant.
- 03
Review the result
The agent follows the SKILL.md steps, scripts and references bundled with the skill.
SKILL.md
The instructions your agent reads when the skill is triggered.
Constraint Specification
Constraints are the rules that shape AI output — what format to use, how long to be, what to include, what to exclude. Well-specified constraints produce predictable, useful outputs. Vague constraints produce inconsistent results.
Types of Constraints
Format constraints:
- Output structure (JSON, markdown, plain text, bullet points, prose)
- Section headings and organisation
- Required fields and optional fields
- Data types and schemas Length constraints:
- Word count ranges (not exact numbers — models are bad at counting)
- Section length proportions ("spend 60% on analysis, 40% on recommendations")
- Minimum and maximum bounds
- Conciseness directives ("be brief" vs. "be thorough") Content constraints:
- Topics to include and exclude
- Required information elements
- Prohibited content
- Source restrictions (only use provided context, don't use external knowledge) Tone constraints:
- Formality level
- Emotional register
- Audience-appropriate language
- Voice and style guidelines Quality constraints:
- Accuracy requirements ("cite sources", "flag uncertainty")
- Completeness requirements ("address all aspects of the question")
- Originality requirements ("don't repeat the question back")
- Actionability requirements ("every recommendation must be implementable")
Writing Effective Constraints
- Be specific: "Keep responses under 200 words" beats "be concise"
- Prioritise: When constraints conflict, state which wins. "Accuracy over brevity."
- Provide examples: Show what a constrained output looks like
- Test boundaries: What happens at the edge of each constraint?
- Separate hard and soft constraints: Hard constraints must always be met. Soft constraints are preferences.
Constraint Interactions
Constraints interact and can conflict:
- "Be thorough" vs. "Keep it under 100 words"
- "Be creative" vs. "Follow this exact format"
- "Be helpful" vs. "Don't give medical advice" Resolve conflicts explicitly in the prompt. Don't make the model guess which constraint takes priority.
Design Artefacts
- Constraint specification documents per output type
- Constraint priority hierarchies
- Constraint test cases (inputs designed to stress each constraint)
- Constraint violation examples (what bad looks like)
- Constraint evolution logs (how constraints changed and why)
FAQ
What does the constraint-specification skill do?
Defining output format, length, tone, and content boundaries within prompts.
How do I install constraint-specification?
Run npx skills add https://github.com/owl-listener/ai-design-skills --skill constraint-specification in your project. The skills CLI detects the agents you use and copies the skill into the right folder. For Claude Code you can also place the skill folder at ~/.claude/skills/constraint-specification/ (personal) or .claude/skills/constraint-specification/ (project).
Which AI agents can use constraint-specification?
Any agent that supports the open Agent Skills format (a folder with a SKILL.md file), including Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Gemini CLI, Windsurf, Cline, OpenCode and more.
Is constraint-specification safe to install?
No partner security audit is available yet. Skills can run commands and scripts, so read the SKILL.md and any bundled files before installing.
Who maintains constraint-specification?
It is published by owl-listener in owl-listener/ai-design-skills. It has 375 recorded installs.
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