# Describe what your app should do

> Write clear app-building prompts, add design references and request focused changes in RNBlocks Studio.

Canonical: https://www.rnblocks.dev/docs/prompts
Updated: 2026-10-01

A useful prompt gives the agent a goal and enough context to make decisions. Start with the people using the app and the task they want to finish.

## Give the first version a clear purpose

Section: https://www.rnblocks.dev/docs/prompts#first

- Audience: who uses it and in what situation?
- Main task: what should they finish?
- Screens: which few views are needed for that task?
- Data: should something survive closing the app or sync across devices?
- Services: should an answer, image or voice come from a real provider?

> **An example**
> Build a recipe app for people cooking after work. They can enter ingredients, get three dinner ideas and open a recipe with steps. Use a warm, uncluttered design with large food photos.


## Change one thing at a time

Section: https://www.rnblocks.dev/docs/prompts#iterate

Name the screen, describe the current problem and state the expected result. ‘The recipe steps are hard to read; increase the text size and spacing on the recipe screen’ is more useful than ‘make it better.’

After the change, repeat the same task in the native preview. If the result is wrong, say exactly what happened.

| Instead of | Try |
| --- | --- |
| Add AI | Use OpenAI to suggest a recipe from the ingredients I enter. |
| Make it work | When I tap Save on a destination, add it to Saved and keep it after I reopen the app. |
| Make it professional | Use a consistent 16px body size, reduce the number of card borders and make the primary action clear. |


## Add references without losing the goal

Section: https://www.rnblocks.dev/docs/prompts#context

Attach relevant images or describe a reference’s specific qualities: hierarchy, spacing, color or navigation. Explain which parts matter and which are only inspiration. Keep account credentials out of prompts; enter them in the connection controls.


## Continue

- [Build your first app](https://www.rnblocks.dev/docs/first-app)
- [Connect a service](https://www.rnblocks.dev/docs/connectors)
- [Work in Studio](https://www.rnblocks.dev/docs/studio)