pre-register

Document decision logic and risk assessments before outcomes occur.

2|Updated Oct 30, 2025
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/zachmayer/skills --skill pre-register
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: pre-register
Source: https://github.com/zachmayer/skills/tree/main/.claude/skills/pre-register
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/zachmayer/skills --skill pre-register

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This skill solves the problem of hindsight bias in decision-making by forcing the documentation of reasoning, probability trees, and failure triggers before an outcome is known.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Falsifiable Record Keeping: Documents load-bearing claims with specific conditions and dates to ensure objective post-outcome grading.
  • Calibration Tracking: Establishes flip thresholds and probability trees to distinguish between bad luck and flawed reasoning.
  • Use Case: Use this when shipping high-stakes code or accepting tail risk to ensure that if a failure occurs, the team can perform a blameless, data-driven postmortem rather than a retrospective narrative.

Quick Start

Use the pre-register skill to create a new decision record for the upcoming deployment by documenting the probability tree and load-bearing claims.

Frequently Asked Questions about pre-register

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I prevent hindsight bias when making high-stakes engineering decisions?

Prevent hindsight bias in high-stakes engineering decisions by documenting reasoning, probability trees, and failure triggers before outcomes are realized. This establishes a formal, falsifiable record that enables objective post-outcome calibration rather than retrospective narrative.

What is a falsifiable decision record and when do I need one?

A falsifiable decision record is a formal document of decision-making logic, load-bearing claims, and risk assessment created before outcomes are known. You need one when shipping high-stakes code or accepting tail risk to ensure blameless, data-driven postmortems.

How do I create a pre-registration for software deployment risk assessment?

Create a pre-registration for software deployment risk assessment by documenting the probability tree, defining load-bearing claims with specific conditions and dates, and establishing flip thresholds to distinguish between bad luck and flawed reasoning in your decision parameters.

Can I use this for blameless postmortems after a deployment failure?

Yes, you can use this for blameless postmortems after a deployment failure because it requires structured documentation of decision parameters before outcomes are known. This enables data-driven calibration and reasoning analysis to distinguish between bad luck and flawed reasoning.

What's the best way to track calibration in engineering decision-making?

The best way to track calibration in engineering decision-making is to establish flip thresholds and probability trees before outcomes are realized. This formal documentation distinguishes between bad luck and flawed reasoning, enabling objective post-outcome grading of load-bearing claims.

Does this approach work for tail risk management in software engineering?

Yes, this approach works for tail risk management in software engineering by establishing a formal, falsifiable record of decision-making logic and risk assessment. It defines specific postmortem triggers to ensure objective calibration and reasoning analysis when accepting tail risk.