planning

Translate research inputs into architecture design and implementation plans.

Updated Aug 27, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/astrosteveo/epic --skill planning-astrosteveo
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: planning
Source: https://github.com/astrosteveo/epic/tree/main/plugins/harness/skills/planning
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/astrosteveo/epic --skill planning-astrosteveo

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This Skill guides collaborative design to produce an architecture design and a detailed implementation plan before any code is written, reducing risk and misalignment.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Socratic design: Iterative dialogue to align stakeholders on approach.
  • Artifact generation: Creates design.md and plan.md with clear structure.
  • Traceability: Ensures decisions map back to requirements and code structure.

Quick Start

Start planning after user grants research approach approval. The Skill will generate .harness/{nnn}-{slug}/design.md and .harness/{nnn}-{slug}/plan.md with step-by-step guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions about planning

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I create an architecture design before writing code?

Architecture design translates research into a structured plan through iterative dialogue. This Skill guides collaborative design to produce design.md and plan.md artifacts with clear architecture, data flow, interfaces, and stepwise implementation steps, reducing risk and misalignment before implementation begins.

What's the best way to document architecture decisions and implementation steps?

Structured documentation captures architecture design, data flow, and interfaces alongside a stepwise implementation plan with commit-ready steps. This Skill generates design.md and plan.md in .harness directories with Mermaid diagrams and deferral handling, ensuring decisions trace back to requirements.

How do I align stakeholders on an implementation approach before coding?

Socratic design uses iterative dialogue to align stakeholders on approach. After research is complete and an approach is approved, this Skill produces structured artifacts that enable iterative revision and approval-driven transitions to execution.

Can I handle multi-file implementations with deferred tasks?

Yes. This Skill solves non-trivial implementations with 3+ steps or multiple files, including deferral and backlog handling. It produces a detailed stepwise plan that captures what to defer and how to sequence implementation across components.

When should I create a detailed implementation plan instead of starting code immediately?

Use detailed planning for non-trivial implementations with multiple files or 3+ steps where stakeholder alignment matters. Planning reduces risk and misalignment by capturing architecture, interfaces, and data flow upfront before any code is written.