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.
How to explain it to the leadership team
»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.