design-first

Research features, draft implementation specs in docs/, and await approval before coding.

1|1|Updated Mar 7, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/wk-j/krypton --skill design-first-wk-j
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: design-first
Source: https://github.com/wk-j/krypton/tree/main/.claude/skills/design-first
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/wk-j/krypton --skill design-first-wk-j

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Before writing code for a new feature or significant improvement, perform deep research then write an implementation specification in docs/ and wait for explicit user approval. No code is written until the spec is approved.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Deep research — understand how the feature works, existing constraints, and potential impacts.
  • Implementation spec — produce a concrete, testable design document ready for review.
  • User approval — require explicit sign-off before any code is written.
  • This workflow prevents wasted effort, captures decisions, and creates a permanent record for governance.

Quick Start

Initiate a design-first study by researching the feature, drafting a concrete spec in docs/, and awaiting explicit approval before any code is written.

Frequently Asked Questions about design-first

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I enforce a design-first workflow before coding a new feature?

A design-first workflow requires researching constraints, drafting an implementation specification in docs/, and securing explicit sign-off before any code is written. This process prevents wasted development effort by ensuring the design is approved.

What is the purpose of an implementation specification in feature development?

An implementation specification captures deep research and concrete design decisions into a testable document. It creates a permanent record for governance and traceability, ensuring teams review the feature design before coding begins.

How do I require user approval before writing code for architectural changes?

You require user approval by routing architectural changes through a formal sign-off process on a drafted specification. No code is written until the user explicitly approves the design document stored in docs/.

Does a design-first approach work for major architectural changes?

Yes, the design-first approach applies to both feature development and major architectural changes. It guides teams through research and spec drafting to capture decisions and prevent wasted effort on significant improvements.

How do I document feature research for governance and traceability?

You document feature research by creating a SKILL.md entry point and formal specification files within the docs/ directory. This captures decisions and creates a permanent record for governance and traceability.