create-decision-log

A decision log records the context, options considered, and rationale behind a choice in a structured Markdown file. This separates the reasoning from the outcomes, enabling future review, team alignment, and retrospective learning.

You create a structured decision log by providing the decision topic and context. The system generates a numbered Markdown file under the product documentation directory, automatically organizing sections for date, statement, options, and outcomes.

You need to log decisions during planning, reviews, or retrospective discussions. Capturing trade-offs and rationale at these points ensures future teams understand the context and anticipated outcomes of past product or engineering choices.

Yes, a decision log tracks trade-offs and team alignment by attaching timestamps, authors, and references to linked docs. It sets revisit triggers to maintain an auditable decision trail throughout the project lifecycle.

The best way to maintain an auditable decision trail is using sequential numbered Markdown files for each decision. This approach separates context from outcomes and defines the next file number to keep records organized and chronologically traceable.