sdd-methodology

Spec-driven development is a disciplined process that structures software projects through distinct phases: assess, specify, research, plan, implement, and validate. It improves workflows by ensuring teams align on requirements upfront, create consistent artifacts like PRDs and ADRs, and measure outcomes systematically across each phase.

Use phase-based guidance to walk new team members through SDD fundamentals, starting with assessment and specification phases. This Skill provides structured instructions for each phase transition, helping teams understand decision points and artifact creation at each stage, reducing ramp-up time and alignment friction.

Yes. This Skill specifically guides SDD workflows for AI-enabled projects, applying the same phase-based structure across assessment, specification, research, planning, implementation, and validation to help teams adopt disciplined processes suited to AI development's unique planning and testing needs.

Spec-driven development creates standardized outputs including product requirement documents (PRDs), architecture decision records (ADRs), test strategies, and phase-gate checkpoints. These artifacts ensure measurable outcomes and enable process optimization by maintaining consistent documentation and decision trails.

SDD provides structured phase transitions and clear criteria for moving between assessment, specification, research, planning, implementation, and validation phases. This framework helps leadership evaluate project readiness, resolve design trade-offs, and enforce consistent governance across teams and iterations.