Generating constrained specs
Skill synaptiai/synapti-marketplace/plugins/context-ledger/skills/generating-constrained-specs
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Use when generating PRD and architecture documents that must trace back to explicit decisions. Enforces citation requirements so no spec content exists without DEC-* references.
SKILL.md
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Constrained Spec Generation
This skill generates PRD and architecture documents that are constrained by the decision ledger.
Core Principle
No spec section without a DEC- reference.*
Every requirement, every architecture choice, must trace back to an explicit decision. This prevents:
- Ungrounded requirements
- Hidden assumptions
- Scope creep
- Orphaned features
Prerequisites
- Decisions complete (
/ledger-decide) 04-decisions/DECISIONS.yamlexists05-risks/RISKS.yamlexists
Workflow
Use TodoWrite to track these mandatory steps:
<required> 1. Load decisions and risks 2. Generate PRD with decision citations 3. Validate PRD constraint gate 4. Generate architecture with decision citations 5. Validate architecture constraint gate 6. Cross-reference risks in both documents </required>Step 1: Load Decisions and Risks
Read:
04-decisions/DECISIONS.yaml- All decisions05-risks/RISKS.yaml- All risks03-synthesis/CROSS-SYNTHESIS.md- Context
Build decision index for quick lookup.
Step 2: Generate PRD
Write 06-prd/PRD.md using template from references/prd-template.md.
Constraint enforcement: Every section heading must include decision reference:
## 2. Target Users (DEC-scope-power-users-first)
Every requirement must cite decisions:
### 2.1 Primary Users
Power users within SMB organizations who manage complex workflows.
(DEC-scope-power-users-first, DEC-scope-smb-segment)
Step 3: Validate PRD Constraint Gate
Check every PRD section:
- Section heading has DEC-* reference
- Requirements cite supporting decisions
- Risks are cross-referenced where relevant
Gate failure: If any section lacks DEC-* reference, cannot proceed.
Step 4: Generate Architecture
Write 07-architecture/ARCHITECTURE.md using template from references/architecture-template.md.
Constraint enforcement:
## 3. Data Model (DEC-tech-postgres-primary, DEC-scope-power-users-first)
### 3.1 Core Entities
Based on power user workflow requirements (DEC-scope-power-users-first),
the data model supports complex nested structures.
Step 5: Validate Architecture Constraint Gate
Check every architecture section:
- Section heading has DEC-* reference
- Technical choices cite supporting decisions
- Risks are cross-referenced where relevant
Step 6: Cross-Reference Risks
In both documents, note relevant risks:
### Risk Note
This approach carries RISK-tech-cold-start. See risk register for mitigations.
Constraint Rules
See references/constraint-rules.md for detailed rules.
Citation Format
Section headings:
## 2. MVP Scope (DEC-scope-power-users-first, DEC-scope-web-only)
Inline citations:
Users will access the application via web browser only. (DEC-scope-web-only)
Evidence when needed:
Based on user research showing 78% onboarding drop-off at team invitation
(EV-users-onboarding-dropoff), we will simplify the invitation flow.
(DEC-ux-simplified-onboarding)
<good-example>
```markdown
## 2. Target Users (DEC-scope-power-users-first)
Based on DEC-scope-power-users-first, the MVP targets power users within organizations who manage complex workflows. This decision was supported by evidence showing 3x higher retention among power users (EV-users-retention-power-users).
2.1 User Needs
- Complex workflow management (DEC-scope-power-users-first)
- Keyboard-first interaction (DEC-ux-keyboard-shortcuts-priority)
Risk: RISK-retention-expert-churn mitigated by advanced feature set.
- Section heading cites DEC-* reference
- Every requirement traces to a decision
- Evidence cited where relevant
- Risks cross-referenced
</good-example>
<bad-example>
```markdown
## 2. Target Users
We will target power users because they are important. Power users need
features like advanced workflows and keyboard shortcuts.
### 2.1 User Needs
- Complex workflow management
- Keyboard-first interaction
- No DEC-* citation in heading
- No evidence supporting claims
- No traceability to decisions
- No risk acknowledgment </bad-example>
What Cannot Be Spec'd
- Features not supported by any decision
- Requirements contradicting decisions
- Architecture choices without technical decisions
- Scope outside decision boundaries
User Interaction
Use the AskUserQuestion tool when:
Missing decision for section
Question: "PRD section '[X]' has no supporting decision. How to proceed?"
Options:
- "Skip this section (out of scope)"
- "Make a new decision for this"
- "It relates to existing decision [DEC-Y]"
Decision conflict
Question: "Requirement '[X]' seems to conflict with [DEC-Y]. How to resolve?"
Options:
- "Revise requirement to align with decision"
- "The decision should be revisited"
- "They don't actually conflict - explain how"
Risk acknowledgment
Question: "This section relates to [RISK-X]. Include risk note?"
Options:
- "Yes, note the risk"
- "No, not relevant here"
- "Yes, and add mitigation detail"
Output
After spec generation:
## Spec Generation Complete
**PRD Sections:** [N] (all constrained)
**Architecture Sections:** [M] (all constrained)
**Decisions Referenced:** [X] unique DEC-* IDs
**Risks Cross-Referenced:** [Y] RISK-* IDs
### Constraint Gate Status
- PRD gate: ✓ All sections cite decisions
- Architecture gate: ✓ All sections cite decisions
### Documents Generated
- `06-prd/PRD.md`
- `07-architecture/ARCHITECTURE.md`
### Decision Coverage
| Decision | PRD Sections | Arch Sections |
|----------|--------------|---------------|
| DEC-scope-power-users-first | 1, 2, 4 | 2, 3 |
| DEC-pricing-freemium | 3, 5 | 4 |
| DEC-tech-serverless | - | 1, 3, 5 |
| ... | ... | ... |
### Next Step
Run `/ledger-plan` to generate implementation backlog.
References
- references/prd-template.md - PRD template
- references/architecture-template.md - Architecture template
- references/constraint-rules.md - Detailed constraint rules