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design-first

Creates design documents with options, trade-offs, and a decision rationale.

3|1|Updated Dec 3, 2025
Search Tags:#design#planning#architecture#testing strategy#yagni#feature implementation#decision matrix
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/Probably-Group/Dev-AID --skill design-first-probably-group
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: design-first
Source: https://github.com/Probably-Group/Dev-AID/tree/main/.dev-aid/skills/process/design-first
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/Probably-Group/Dev-AID --skill design-first-probably-group

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes scripts (resource) and references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

Design-first prevents wasted engineering effort by forcing early exploration of requirements and multiple implementation options before committing to code.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Sequential clarification: ask requirements questions one at a time to avoid misunderstandings.
  • 2–3 option exploration with trade-offs: compare approaches, apply YAGNI to keep scope lean, and choose with rationale.
  • Chunked validation checkpoints: validate each design section (architecture, data flow, interfaces, error handling, testing strategy).
  • Decision memory persistence: save approved decisions into the team memory bank for reuse.
  • Deep research integration for unfamiliar domains: trigger research when needed and cache results for team consistency.
  • Decision-matrix support: rank options using weighted criteria (simplicity, performance, maintainability).

Quick Start

Use the design-first skill for a new feature or architecture change when you are about to start implementing and want the assistant to propose 2–3 design options, select one, and write a decision-backed design plan.

Frequently Asked Questions about design-first

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I explore architecture options before coding a new feature?▼

Design-first enforces think-before-coding by guiding you through sequential clarifying questions and evaluating 2-3 architecture options with trade-offs before implementation begins.

What is the best way to apply YAGNI to feature implementation planning?▼

Apply YAGNI during design exploration by comparing 2-3 approaches with a weighted decision matrix, ranking options on simplicity and maintainability to keep feature scope lean before committing to code.

How do I create a decision matrix for software architecture changes?▼

Create a decision matrix by ranking design options using weighted criteria such as simplicity, performance, and maintainability, then document the selected approach with rationale for future reference.

Can I save approved architecture decisions to a team memory bank?▼

Yes, design-first supports decision memory persistence, allowing you to save approved architecture decisions and rationale into the team memory bank for reuse and consistency.

When should I use a design-first approach for external system integrations?▼

Use design-first for external-system integrations when requirements and trade-offs need upfront validation, triggering deep research for unfamiliar domains and validating each section through chunked checkpoints.

Does design-first work without external dependencies?▼

Yes, design-first operates with no external dependencies, using only built-in scripts and references to produce a decision-backed design plan with evaluated options and testing strategy.

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