mini-spec

Generate design artifacts from specs with a three-level workflow.

7|3|Updated Dec 23, 2025
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/zot/frictionless --skill mini-spec
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: mini-spec
Source: https://github.com/zot/frictionless/tree/main/.claude/skills/mini-spec
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/zot/frictionless --skill mini-spec

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Mini-spec provides a compact, repeatable framework to capture human specs, translate them into design artifacts, and track traceability across specs, design, and code, reducing misalignment and token waste.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Three-level architecture: specs → design → code, with explicit artifacts (specs/, design/, src/).
  • Task tracking and phase guidance via TaskCreate/TaskUpdate patterns to keep stakeholders focused.
  • Rich design artifacts: design.md, crc-.md, seq-.md, ui-, test-, manifest-ui.md for CLI-driven design reviews.
  • Use case: a solo developer or small team defines features in specs, generates a design doc set, and then implements with traceability hooks.

Quick Start

Install the minispec CLI, add the minispec skill folder to your project, write a spec in specs/your-feature.md, and instruct Claude to design this to generate the design docs, then implement this to produce code with updated traceability.

Frequently Asked Questions about mini-spec

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I create design specs with traceability across specs, design, and code?

To create design specs with traceability, use a three-level architecture that separates specs, design, and code into distinct artifacts. This enforces deterministic progression from human specs to design docs and implementation, reducing misalignment and token waste.

How do I generate design docs and CRC cards from a feature specification?

You generate design docs and CRC cards from a feature specification by placing your spec in the specs directory and instructing the CLI to design it. This produces structured artifacts including design.md, crc-*.md, sequence files, and UI layouts for design reviews.

What is the best way to track design phases and task progression for a small development team?

The best way to track design phases and task progression is using TaskCreate and TaskUpdate patterns within a CLI workflow. This keeps stakeholders focused and ensures deterministic progression through the design and implementation phases.

Can I use a CLI-driven design review workflow for solo development projects?

Yes, you can use a CLI-driven design review workflow for solo development projects. The framework is built for small to mid-size teams and solo developers, providing modular artifacts and traceability hooks without heavy overhead.

How do I maintain traceability hooks when implementing code from design docs?

You maintain traceability hooks when implementing code by instructing the framework to implement the design docs. It generates source code in the src directory while automatically updating the traceability links back to the original specs and design artifacts.

Does this spec-driven design approach work without external dependencies?

Yes, this spec-driven design approach works without external dependencies. The framework operates independently with its own CLI, folder structure, and artifact templates, requiring no additional libraries to generate or maintain design documents.