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canon-system-shaping

Automate governed Canon system-shaping runs with preflight validation and persisted artifacts.

1|Updated Mar 26, 2026
Search Tags:#canon#bounded-context#ai-assisted#requirements-engineering#packet#system-shaping
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/apply-the/canon --skill canon-system-shaping
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: canon-system-shaping
Source: https://github.com/apply-the/canon/tree/main/.agents/skills/canon-system-shaping
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/apply-the/canon --skill canon-system-shaping

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Start a governed Canon system-shaping run from your AI assistant without requiring the user to memorize the raw Canon CLI, ensuring bounded intent, constraints, and evidence are captured and persisted.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Preflight validation of required inputs (RISK, ZONE, SYSTEM_CONTEXT) and authored material before invoking Canon.
  • Canon-authored system-shaping body creation with mandated sections (system-shape.md, domain-model.md, architecture-outline.md, capability-map.md, delivery-options.md, risk-hotspots.md) that are preserved in the packet.
  • End-to-end workflow for starting a system-shaping run, generating a bounded packet, and persisting artifacts to .canon/artifacts/<RUN_ID>/system-shaping/.
  • Use cases include initiating bounded architecture analysis for new systems, capturing decisions, and producing a reviewable artifact set for downstream engineers.

Quick Start

Provide an Intent and Constraint inline and run canon run --mode system-shaping with the appropriate inputs.

Frequently Asked Questions about canon-system-shaping

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I start a bounded system shaping run from an AI assistant?▼

To start system shaping, provide your intent and constraints inline to trigger `canon run --mode system-shaping`. The workflow automates input preflight, generates a bounded packet, and persists artifacts to the `.canon` directory.

What is governed Canon system shaping and when do I need it?▼

Governed Canon system shaping is an AI-assisted workflow for bounded, auditable system design. You need it when initiating architecture analysis for new systems to ensure decisions, constraints, and evidence are captured with mandatory critique.

What required inputs do I need to validate before generating a system shaping packet?▼

Before generating a system shaping packet, you must validate required inputs including RISK, ZONE, and SYSTEM_CONTEXT. This preflight validation ensures your authored material meets Canon's governance and ownership rules.

What artifacts are created and persisted during a Canon system shaping run?▼

A Canon system shaping run persists mandated artifacts including `system-shape.md`, `domain-model.md`, `architecture-outline.md`, `capability-map.md`, `delivery-options.md`, and `risk-hotspots.md` into `.canon/artifacts/<RUN_ID>/system-shaping/`.

Can I use AI-assisted workflows to produce reviewable architecture artifacts for downstream engineers?▼

Yes, AI-assisted workflows can produce reviewable architecture artifacts for downstream engineers. The Canon system shaping process generates a bounded packet containing mandated sections that capture decisions and system design evidence.

Are there limitations to using inline intents for bounded context architecture analysis?▼

A limitation of using inline intents for bounded context architecture analysis is the requirement to strictly enforce risk, zone, and ownership rules. You must provide concise briefings to satisfy preflight validation before Canon invocation.

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