The FOCUS model (in Danish: Fokusmodellen) is a Danish model for the good prompt, developed by Loa Brix. It divides the prompt into five elements, named after the Danish letters F-O-K-U-S: Formål (purpose), Omstændigheder (circumstances), Kilder (sources), Udformning (format) and Stil (style).
I developed the model because most prompting advice is either too technical or too random. Communication professionals already know how to brief a writing assignment – the FOCUS model translates that craft into working with AI.
- F – Formål (purpose): Describe precisely what the AI should deliver and why.
- O – Omstændigheder (circumstances): Explain where, how and for whom the output will be used.
- K – Kilder (sources): Specify which sources the AI may or may not use.
- U – Udformning (format): Define the desired format – a table, a list, an article.
- S – Stil (style): Specify the tone and style the output should have.
In practice
If the AI is to write a draft newsletter, the model gives the prompt its shape: the purpose is to help employees understand the new strategy. The circumstances are Friday's internal newsletter. The sources are the strategy document – and nothing else. The format is 200 words with one subheading. And the style is calm and direct.
»The FOCUS model gives us a shared language for how we instruct AI – five points that everyone can remember and use.«
The full model is unfolded with examples in my guide to the good prompt.