office-hours

Guide software teams through six forcing questions to surface hidden premises and constraints.

1|Updated Jan 26, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/manastalukdar/ai-devstudio --skill office-hours-manastalukdar
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: office-hours
Source: https://github.com/manastalukdar/ai-devstudio/tree/main/skills/office-hours
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/manastalukdar/ai-devstudio --skill office-hours-manastalukdar

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This skill helps software teams surface misdefined problems and missing constraints before coding, reducing misalignment and rework.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Six forcing questions are asked one at a time to surface problem definitions, constraints, and alternative approaches.
  • Synthesis output provides a concise plan, top risks, and kill conditions after all questions.
  • Edge-case handling supports quick skip commands and repeated invocations to reflect updated plans.
  • Use cases include feature kickoff, major refactors, and any task likely to require substantial engineering effort.

Quick Start

Initiate an Office Hours session and answer the six forcing questions in order.

Frequently Asked Questions about office-hours

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I prevent scope creep and misalignment before starting a major coding task?

To prevent scope creep before coding, run a planning session that surfaces hidden premises and constraints. A structured protocol enforces answering specific questions one at a time, producing a concise synthesis, top risks, and kill conditions before feature kickoff or major refactors.

What is the best way to define engineering requirements for high-effort software tasks?

Defining engineering requirements for high-effort tasks is best achieved through a six-question forcing protocol. This method uncovers misdefined problems and missing constraints by asking targeted questions sequentially, ultimately generating a concise plan and identifying kill conditions.

How does a YC-style office hours approach work for software feature planning?

A YC-style office hours approach for feature planning works by guiding software teams through a one-question-at-a-time interaction. This forces teams to surface alternative approaches and constraints before any coding begins, reducing rework and ensuring alignment.

Can I skip questions or update my engineering plan if requirements change during planning?

Yes, you can skip questions or update your engineering plan if requirements change. The system supports quick skip commands and repeated invocations, allowing teams to reflect updated plans and adapt their synthesis and risk management outputs dynamically.

When should I use a structured questioning protocol for software engineering risk management?

Use a structured questioning protocol for software engineering risk management during feature kickoffs, major refactors, or any task requiring substantial effort. It helps surface hidden premises and constraints early, preventing misalignment and unnecessary rework.