In plain language
Instead of a paragraph, the model returns named fields, such as category, priority, and summary, that the next step can map.
Example
An AI step returns {"category": "Billing", "priority": "high"} for each ticket, and the workflow routes on those values.
Related terms
JSON · Schema · Classification · System Prompt
Common misconception
Asking for JSON in the prompt does not guarantee valid JSON; use the provider’s structured output features and validate the result.
Implementation guidance
Define a schema with allowed values, use built-in structured output modes, validate before using results, and handle refusals or missing fields.