idea-to-pdd

Generate a deployable Program Design Doc from source files with validation.

1|2|Updated Apr 1, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/dimagi-internal/ace --skill idea-to-pdd-dimagi-internal
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: idea-to-pdd
Source: https://github.com/dimagi-internal/ace/tree/main/skills/idea-to-pdd
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/dimagi-internal/ace --skill idea-to-pdd-dimagi-internal

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Creating a valid, deployable Program Design Doc (PDD) for a Connect intervention from scattered source material is time-consuming and error-prone, with manual drafts often failing downstream build and evaluation checks due to missing specifications or unvalidated assumptions.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Source Synthesis: Automatically reads and synthesizes content from arbitrary input files (PDFs, docs, sheets, markdown notes) stored in the opportunity's inputs folder to build a complete PDD.
  • Stress-Test Validation: Runs a 5-question LLM-as-judge rubric to evaluate the PDD for executability, verifiability, measurability, stage-gate clarity, and resource realism, iterating automatically until the PDD passes all checks.
  • Audit Trail Logging: Emits a structured decisions log of all load-bearing defaults applied during PDD drafting, with automatic rendering to a human-readable Google Doc for team review and iteration.
  • Use Case: For a new Connect health intervention with source materials, research notes, and prior drafts in the opportunity's inputs folder, use this skill to generate a deployable, validated PDD that downstream build and deployment skills can use without additional rework.

Quick Start

Use the idea-to-pdd skill to generate a deployable, stress-tested Program Design Doc for your Connect intervention from the source materials in your opportunity's inputs folder.

Frequently Asked Questions about idea-to-pdd

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I generate a deployable program design doc from scattered intervention materials?

To generate a program design doc, this skill synthesizes arbitrary source files like PDFs, sheets, and markdown notes from your inputs folder into a complete, deployable PDD. It automatically structures the content to meet downstream build requirements.

What is the best way to log decisions made during PDD generation?

Logging decisions during PDD generation is handled automatically by emitting a structured decisions log of all load-bearing defaults applied during drafting. This log is rendered into a human-readable Google Doc for team review and audit trails.

Can I use arbitrary source files to build a Connect intervention PDD?

Yes, building a Connect intervention PDD from arbitrary source files is supported. The skill reads and synthesizes content from various inputs, including PDFs, docs, and sheets, stored in the opportunity's inputs folder.

Do I need prior drafts to create a valid Connect intervention program design doc?

You do not need formatted prior drafts to create a valid Connect intervention program design doc. The skill synthesizes raw research notes and scattered source materials directly from the inputs folder to produce a deployable specification.