openspec-explore

Explore codebases and clarify requirements without implementing changes.

Updated May 5, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/agoodway/goodday --skill openspec-explore-agoodway
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: openspec-explore
Source: https://github.com/agoodway/goodday/tree/main/.opencode/skills/openspec-explore
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/agoodway/goodday --skill openspec-explore-agoodway

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

openspec-explore helps you think through ambiguous product or engineering problems, investigate the codebase, and clarify requirements without jumping into implementation too early.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Investigate the codebase: Map architecture, find integration points, and identify existing patterns relevant to the question.
  • Reframe and compare options: Generate multiple directions, surface tradeoffs, and clarify what’s actually at stake.
  • Clarify scope and guardrails: Identify risks and unknowns while maintaining the stance of thinking, not building.

Use case: You’re considering a change to how tasks sync or are stored, but you’re unsure whether the right move is refactoring, adjusting persistence strategy, or redesigning the user flow—use this Skill to explore the real architecture and requirements first.

Quick Start

Ask the AI to enter explore mode to investigate the problem space and clarify requirements without implementing changes.

Frequently Asked Questions about openspec-explore

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I clarify ambiguous product requirements before starting implementation?

To clarify ambiguous product requirements before implementation, you can use an exploration mode that investigates the codebase, maps architecture, and reframes options to surface tradeoffs without writing any application code. This keeps your team aligned on scope and guardrails early.

What is the best way to investigate codebase architecture during uncertain planning?

The best way to investigate codebase architecture during uncertain planning is to read and search existing code to map integration points and identify patterns. This thinking-only approach helps you understand the real architecture and constraints before locking in any decisions.

How do I compare refactoring versus redesigning a user flow without committing to code?

To compare refactoring versus redesigning a user flow without committing to code, generate multiple directions and surface tradeoffs to clarify what is at stake. This non-implementing guidance allows you to evaluate risks and unknowns while maintaining a thinking stance.

Can I create OpenSpec artifacts while exploring requirements without writing application code?

Yes, you can optionally create OpenSpec artifacts during requirement exploration without writing application code. This supports documenting design decisions and open threads while keeping the focus on clarifying scope and guardrails rather than building.

When should I use exploration mode instead of directly implementing changes?

You should use exploration mode instead of directly implementing changes during ambiguous planning, mid-implementation uncertainty, or codebase investigation. It helps you identify risks, map integration points, and clarify requirements before decisions are locked.

Does requirement exploration support identifying guardrails for engineering changes?

Yes, requirement exploration supports identifying guardrails for engineering changes by surfacing risks and unknowns. It ensures you maintain the stance of thinking through the problem space and clarifying scope rather than prematurely building features.