Ever felt like your AI is trying to write a novel when you just wanted a quick answer? It's time to stop the 'wall of text' fatigue and get straight to the point.
The Simple Version
Most AI models are trained to be 'helpful,' which they often interpret as 'write as much as possible.' This leads to long, exhausting paragraphs that make it hard to find the actual answer.
The 'I Have ADHD' approach changes the game by giving the AI a strict set of boundaries. It tells the AI to stop rambling and start structuring.
How It Actually Works
Constraint-Based Prompting
Instead of simply asking the AI to 'be brief,' this method uses hard constraints. It provides a specific set of 10 rules that the AI must follow for every single response.
Prioritizing Scannability
The system focuses on visual hierarchy. By forcing the AI to use lists, bold text, and white space, the information becomes 'scannable' rather than 'readable.'
Reducing Cognitive Load
By removing filler words and unnecessary introductions, the AI reduces the effort your brain needs to process the information. This is especially helpful for neurodivergent users but improves efficiency for everyone.
Technical Deep Dive
From a developer's perspective, this is a masterclass in System Prompting. By defining a strict output schema in the system instructions, you are effectively narrowing the AI's probability distribution for token selection.
Instead of allowing the model to wander through conversational filler, these rules act as a heuristic filter. This reduces 'token noise' and ensures the most high-value information is delivered first.
For those building AI apps, this can be implemented as a wrapper. You simply append these 10 rules to the system message of your API call to ensure a consistent, user-friendly UX across all responses.
Why This Matters
Cognitive load is a real bottleneck in human-AI interaction. When an AI dumps 500 words for a 50-word answer, it creates friction and mental fatigue.
Making AI output accessible isn't just about convenience; it's about inclusivity. Clearer formatting helps people with ADHD, dyslexia, or simply a busy schedule get value faster.
Key Takeaways
- AI defaults to over-explaining because it's trained to be 'helpful.'
- The 'I Have ADHD' skill uses 10 strict rules to eliminate rambling.
- Scannability is more important than narrative flow for quick answers.
- Strict constraints in System Prompts reduce token noise.
- Better formatting reduces cognitive load for all users.
- You can implement these rules as a wrapper in your own AI applications.