planning-specification-architecture

To plan and architect software systems before implementation, use a gated workflow that progresses sequentially through Requirements, Design, and Tasks phases. This approach enforces disciplined design and requires explicit user sign-off at each gate before moving forward.

A gated workflow for technical specifications is a three-phase process enforcing formal user approvals between Requirements, Design, and Tasks stages. It ensures disciplined software architecture by requiring explicit sign-off before progressing to implementation planning.

You create a blueprint-style task plan for multi-PR workstreams by defining requirements and designing architecture first. This produces technical specifications that coordinate complex projects across multiple sessions with formal approvals.

You need formal user sign-off during requirements and architecture design when following a gated workflow to ensure disciplined governance. Explicit approvals are required at the end of each phase before progressing to the next stage of software planning.

Yes, you can document architectural decisions and avoid reinventing solutions during software planning by using a research-first approach. This method captures ADRs alongside your technical specifications throughout the gated design process.

The limitation of a three-phase gated planning workflow is that it enforces strict sequential progression through Requirements, Design, and Tasks. You cannot skip phases or proceed without explicit user sign-off, which may slow down rapid prototyping.