LLM Output Toolkit

Karpathy (Oct 2, 2026): more of our work is now understanding LLM output. So ask for formats that are easier to understand: plain controlled writing → diagrams → web pages → explainer videos.

The 4 tips

1 · Writing: ASD-STE100

"Ask your LLM to explain something in ASD-STE100… a controlled language specification originally developed for aerospace maintenance documentation… I often find a lot more readable." Softer: "80% of the way to ASD-STE100".

Why: short sentences, one idea each, simple fixed words. No fluff.

Explain [TOPIC / PASTE TEXT] in ASD-STE100 Simplified Technical English. Use short sentences, one instruction or fact per sentence, active voice, and simple approved words.

Rewrite the text below about 80% of the way to ASD-STE100 Simplified Technical English: clear and short, but still natural to read.

[PASTE TEXT]

2 · Diagrams / images

"Instead of writing, ask your LLM to create a diagram. These can be a lot easier to process, parse, and understand."

Why: you see structure, steps and relations at a glance.

Instead of writing, explain [TOPIC / PASTE TEXT] as a diagram. Give me a Mermaid flowchart (or SVG) that shows the main parts, steps and how they connect. Keep labels short.

3 · Web pages ("in HTML")

"Ask for output 'in HTML' to get a beautiful, interactive webpage. LLMs are getting really good at frontend…"

Why: interactive, scannable, works on your phone.

Explain [TOPIC / PASTE TEXT] in HTML: one self-contained, mobile-friendly, dark-mode web page with clear sections, a visual, and interactive parts (tabs, toggles or a checklist) where useful.

4 · Explainer videos

"The output format I am most bullish on… 'Create a 3b1b style video explainer on X. Use my ElevenLabs API key for audio narration'… or ask your LLM to find you decent free alternatives that use your local compute."

Why: a bespoke video on any topic. "This is actually starting to work!"

Create a 3b1b style video explainer on [TOPIC]. Use my ElevenLabs API key for audio narration (or suggest decent free alternatives that run on my local computer).

The big idea

LLMs will do more of the legwork; our work "will rise up the abstractions into oversight and understanding."
Ask for "large, custom, discardable software artifacts (e.g. web apps, video explainers) that would have never made sense to create before. Push the boundaries here and you'll be surprised."

How I use it (Bernhard)

Reviewing ChatGPT / Claude output

Here is an answer from another AI. Rewrite it in ASD-STE100 Simplified Technical English, then list each claim it makes and mark which ones I should verify.

[PASTE OUTPUT]

SEO lessons

Explain this SEO lesson in HTML: one mobile page with a diagram of how it works, the 3 actions I should take for my notary/apostille sites, and a checklist.

[PASTE LESSON]

Client emails

Rewrite this client email about 80% of the way to ASD-STE100: short, clear, friendly, no jargon. Keep all prices, dates and addresses exactly as written and flag any placeholders like [ADDRESS].

[PASTE EMAIL]

MBA work (understand, then write it myself)

Explain [CONCEPT FROM BUSI COURSE] in ASD-STE100 Simplified Technical English, then as a simple diagram. Do not write my assignment; help me understand it.

Dashboard / report reviews from other LLMs

Turn this report into a diagram showing what is healthy, what needs action, and what is blocked. Then give a 5-line ASD-STE100 summary of the actions.

[PASTE REPORT]

Source: @karpathy on X, Oct 2, 2026