Define explicit priority rules when prompt instructions conflict.
01 The Concept
Complex prompts contain many rules that can conflict. Instruction hierarchy defines explicit priority levels (MUST > SHOULD > MAY) and conflict resolution rules, ensuring the model knows which instruction to follow when rules compete.
02 Weak vs. Strong
EX 01Instruction Hierarchy & Priority Blueprint
Implement Instruction Hierarchy & Priority using systematic, validated approaches with clear documentation and testing criteria.
→ Why it works
Structured Instruction Hierarchy & Priority produces more reliable, maintainable, and measurable results.
03 Key Points
01Priority levels: Defining MUST (mandatory), SHOULD (preferred), and MAY (optional) rules.
02Conflict resolution: Specifying which rule wins when two instructions contradict.
03Rule ordering: Placing highest-priority rules at attention-weighted positions.
04Override protocols: Defining when and how lower rules can be superseded.
05Audit trails: Logging which priority rule was applied in each decision.
04 Model-Specific Notes
Claude handles Instruction Hierarchy & Priority tasks with excellent instruction compliance and structured output formatting.
05 For Your Role
Think of Instruction Hierarchy & Priority as organizing your work systematically so every step is clear and repeatable.