This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Sonu Goswami
Here’s a harsh truth most founders and creators eventually learn:
ChatGPT isn’t bad at ideas — we’re bad at asking.
The difference between a generic AI response and a goldmine of insights often comes down to one thing: structure.
Not templates. Not tone tweaks. Structure — the thinking model behind the question.
So instead of typing “Give me startup ideas” and scrolling through clichés, try using a framework that forces both you and the AI to think deeper.
Here are a few patterns I’ve been using (and refining) inside my own writing and SaaS client projects 
1. Chain Expansion
Take one solid thought and grow it in layers.
Ask ChatGPT to branch out — explore causes, consequences, variations, and connections.
It’s like mind-mapping with logic baked in.
“Expand this SaaS idea into related pain points, solutions, and monetization angles.”
2. Iterative Remix
Instead of one giant list, generate a few versions and refine them across rounds.
Each pass gets sharper.
Think of it as brainstorming in slow motion.
“List five onboarding ideas. Now improve each by adding emotional triggers or reducing friction.”
3. Context Clustering
Once you’ve generated raw ideas, don’t stop there.
Ask ChatGPT to group, label, and summarize them — you’ll see patterns emerge that you’d otherwise miss.
“Organize these feature ideas into three strategic focus areas.”
4. Inversion Thinking
Sometimes, the fastest path to clarity is flipping the question.
“List ten ways to make onboarding terrible — now reverse those into solutions.”
5. Future-Back Framing
Work backwards from your success story.
“Assume we’re at $100K MRR — what strategic shifts got us there?”
6. Random Collision
Introduce unrelated words, concepts, or roles to spark creative collisions.
“Combine the idea of a compass with SaaS user engagement — what new feature could that inspire?”
7. Rapid Sprinting
Give ChatGPT a constraint — a 5-minute brainstorm, 25 one-liners, or an 8-round variant loop.
Pressure creates focus.
“Generate 25 landing page angles in 5 minutes, one line each.”
8. Story Threading
Have it narrate how someone actually experiences your product.
You’ll catch friction and opportunity points real fast.
“Describe a user’s first 5 minutes after signing up — note where curiosity drops or motivation spikes.”
The takeaway
AI doesn’t replace creativity — it multiplies it if you set boundaries.
The more structured your prompt, the more original your ideas become.
Use it like a whiteboard partner, not a vending machine.
This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Sonu Goswami