stage-04-mechanism-extraction

To decompose a product concept into a dependency graph, enumerate every distinct functional mechanism, assign unique IDs, map dependencies, and output a structured DAG ready for development sequencing.

Mechanism extraction in product design is the process of breaking down a complex concept into discrete, independently evaluable mechanisms with clear dependencies and a defined core mechanism to guide sequencing.

You identify a core mechanism by enumerating all functional mechanisms, tagging them as OBVIOUS or NEEDS_EVALUATION, running a 10-step evaluation on uncertain items, and determining the central guiding mechanism.

You need to generate a DAG for product mechanisms when you have a complex Stage 3 concept and must structure discrete mechanisms with dependency mappings for downstream planning and handoff readiness.

No, you cannot use mechanism extraction without a fully defined Stage 3 concept. The Skill specifically requires a Stage 3 concept as input to decompose it into discrete mechanisms and dependency mappings.

To evaluate mechanisms that need further assessment, tag them as NEEDS_EVALUATION and apply the built-in 10-step evaluation process to determine their viability and role within the dependency graph.