grooming

Evaluate backlog items for value, feasibility, risks, and dependencies.

2|Updated Apr 19, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/MotWakorb/claude-agent-dev-team --skill grooming
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: grooming
Source: https://github.com/MotWakorb/claude-agent-dev-team/tree/main/grooming
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/MotWakorb/claude-agent-dev-team --skill grooming

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Backlog refinement ensures items carry clear user value before planning, reducing waste and misalignment between what is built and what users actually need.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Value gate evaluation: confirms each bead has measurable user value before refinement.
  • Dependency discovery: surfaces hidden dependencies and creates prerequisite work beads.
  • Cross-item analysis and refinement outputs: produces per-item summaries with risks, questions, and acceptance criteria for readiness.

Quick Start

Spawn grooming for all backlog items and generate per-item refinement summaries.

Frequently Asked Questions about grooming

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

FAQPage Schema
What is backlog grooming and how does it ensure user value?

Backlog grooming evaluates items for value, feasibility, and risks to ensure user value before build. It enforces value gates and generates refinement summaries with acceptance criteria for ready-to-build work.

How do I groom backlog items to surface hidden dependencies?

Groom backlog items in batch sessions to surface hidden dependencies and create prerequisite work beads. This process evaluates each item against value gates and generates per-item refinement summaries to ensure readiness.

When do I need backlog refinement sessions for multiple personas?

Backlog refinement sessions are needed when multiple personas must assess items in batch to enforce value gates. They surface risks, questions, and dependencies while generating acceptance criteria for ready-to-build work.

What's the best way to generate refinement summaries with acceptance criteria?

The best way to generate refinement summaries is through cross-item analysis during grooming. This produces per-item outputs containing risks, questions, and acceptance criteria to confirm readiness before planning.

Does backlog grooming work for items lacking measurable user value?

Backlog grooming applies value gate evaluation to confirm each item has measurable user value before refinement. Items lacking clear user value are flagged to reduce waste and misalignment between built features and user needs.

Why does backlog refinement focus on value gates before planning?

Backlog refinement focuses on value gates to reduce waste and misalignment between what is built and what users need. Enforcing these gates ensures items carry clear user value before entering the planning phase.