Variables are the inputs that allow your tool to generate different outputs every time, without you (or your team) having to rewrite instructions or prompts.
Structure = what the tool produces
Variables = what the tool adapts
Without variables, you would have to rebuild the tool from scratch every time.
With variables, the tool adapts to new kids, new goals, new routines, new topics, etc.
Example: A visual schedule tool may have variables like:
{Child Name}
{Routine Theme}
{Number of Steps}
{Tone}
Today, you could generate:
“Kai’s Morning Routine — Space Theme — 4 Steps — Calm Tone.”
Tomorrow, using the same tool:
“Layla’s Homework Routine — Ocean Theme — 7 Steps — Fun Tone.”
How to identify a variable 🎛️
Ask yourself: “If I ran this tool tomorrow for a different student, what would change?”
If it changes often → turn it into a variable.
Here are common things educators and therapists change frequently:
Things that often change | Good variable candidates |
Learner characteristics | {Age}, {Reading Level}, {Name}, {Support Needed} |
Learning target | {Skill}, {IEP Goal}, {Behavior}, {Phoneme} |
Format or length | {Number of Questions}, {Number of Steps} |
Visual preference | {Theme}, {Icons}, {Images} |
Emotional tone | {Tone: Fun / Calm / Encouraging} |
Variables should simplify decisions, not create new ones.
Choose variable types that support the right kind of thinking 🧠
You control how the variable is entered:
Variable type | Best for… | Why it matters |
Text field | Open-ended answers: names, goals, instructions | Flexible, but requires more user input |
Dropdown | Limited, controlled choices (tone, sound, difficulty) | Prevents user confusion + gives users clear choices |
Number | Anything measuring length or quantity (# of steps/questions) | Helps Imagineer apply structure consistently |
💡 If you don’t want users typing unpredictable things → use a dropdown.
The 3–6 Variable Rule (avoid overwhelming the user) ✨
The best tools generally have:
3–6 variables total
Each variable has a clear purpose and visible effect on the output
Why?
Too few variables → not flexible enough
Too many → cognitive overload, confusing experience
The best tools don’t let users make every decision. They let users make the useful decisions.
How to evaluate if a variable is “useful” 🧪
Ask yourself: “Does changing this variable create a noticeably different output?” If yes → keep it. If not → remove it.
Common mistakes (and how to avoid them) ⚠️
Mistake | Why it causes problems | Fix |
Variable names are unclear (“Topic / Setting / Thing”) | User doesn’t know what to enter | Use commonly used language: “Target Skill,” “Theme,” “Feeling Word,” etc. |
Too many text fields | Inconsistent inputs = messy output | Replace with drop-downs/numbers |
Making everything optional | Tool feels overwhelming | Set defaults so user can “just press generate” |
Using variables for things that never change | More decisions = slower tool | Convert to constants in prompt instead |
Quick variable quality checklist ✅
Your variable set is strong if:
Users know what to enter without asking
Each variable meaningfully changes the output
Defaults produce a usable first draft
Using the tool feels faster than prompting manually
If all of those are true → click Continue.
Example of a perfect variable set (Choice Board) 🔥
Variable name | Type | Why it works |
{Theme} | Dropdown | Drives visuals + vocabulary |
{Target Age} | Dropdown | Adjusts reading level |
{Tone} | Dropdown | Controls language style |
{Number of Choices} | Number | Scales output |
This tool can be reused forever with new values!
Now that you're a variable expert, it's time to test and optimize your prompts!