design-review

Identify and fix gaps in game design documents for implementation readiness.

Updated Apr 10, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/emcconnell/nova-scout --skill design-review-emcconnell
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: design-review
Source: https://github.com/emcconnell/nova-scout/tree/main/.claude/skills/design-review
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/emcconnell/nova-scout --skill design-review-emcconnell

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Validates design documents to ensure they are complete, internally consistent, implementable, and aligned with project design standards before programmers start.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Phase-driven design review that checks for completeness, traceability, and feasibility.
  • Detects missing dependencies, conflicting rules, and potential implementation blockers across GDD documents.
  • Enables actionable feedback with a system for generating revision notes, blockers, and next steps to keep projects moving.

Quick Start

Provide the path to the design document and an optional depth flag, then run /design-review.

Frequently Asked Questions about design-review

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I review a game design document for implementation readiness?

A game design document review checks for completeness, traceability, and feasibility before programming begins. It identifies missing dependencies, conflicting rules, and implementation blockers, generating actionable revision notes to keep the project moving forward.

What is design document traceability and why does it matter for game design?

Design document traceability tracks requirements and dependencies across referenced documents to ensure alignment. It matters because untracked dependencies cause implementation blockers, and structured validation ensures programmers receive complete and actionable specifications.

How do I check a GDD for missing dependencies and conflicting rules?

To check a GDD for missing dependencies and conflicting rules, run a phase-driven design review across the document set. This validation process detects gaps in game design documents and outputs actionable revision notes, blockers, and next steps.

Can I generate actionable revision notes from a game design document automatically?

Yes, you can generate actionable revision notes from a game design document automatically. Providing the document path triggers a systematic design review that outputs structured feedback, identifies implementation blockers, and suggests next steps for revisions.

What is the best way to validate game design docs before handing them to programmers?

The best way to validate game design docs before handing them to programmers is performing a structured design review. This ensures internal consistency, verifies feasibility, and satisfies dependency checks so the design is fully implementable.

What are common implementation blockers found during game design document reviews?

Common implementation blockers found during game design document reviews include missing dependencies, conflicting rules, and gaps in traceability. Detecting these issues before programming starts ensures the design is complete, internally consistent, and actionable.