write-spike

Creates a structured document of findings, questions, and options for a given topic.

4|Updated Mar 11, 2026

Search Tags:#documentation #investigation #technical debt #requirements gathering #spike #story writing

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/cpliakas/claude-code-engineering-leaders --skill write-spike

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: write-spike
Source: https://github.com/cpliakas/claude-code-engineering-leaders/tree/main/skills/write-spike
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/cpliakas/claude-code-engineering-leaders --skill write-spike

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes scripts (resource) and references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill tackles topics too uncertain for direct story writing by producing a structured findings document, resolving ambiguity and paving the way for clear requirements.

Core Features & Use Cases

Investigative Framework: Provides a structured approach to exploring complex technical or product questions.
Decision Support: Helps scope investigations, identify options with trade-offs, and assess readiness for story writing.
Use Case: When a new feature requires understanding a complex integration or an unfamiliar technology, use this Skill to research the options, document findings, and identify remaining unknowns before writing a user story.

Quick Start

Use the write-spike skill to investigate how to implement secure user authentication for the new mobile app.

Frequently Asked Questions about write-spike

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

FAQPage Schema

How do I document technical investigation findings before writing user stories?▼

Documenting technical investigation findings requires a structured approach that restates the problem, lists key questions, evaluates options with trade-offs, and identifies remaining unknowns to resolve ambiguity before story writing.

What is a spike in requirements gathering and when do I need one?▼

A spike in requirements gathering is an investigative framework used when a topic is too uncertain for direct story writing, needed when exploring complex integrations or unfamiliar technologies to assess readiness for development.

How do I structure a technical investigation to evaluate integration options?▼

Structure a technical investigation by restating the problem, enumerating options considered with pros and cons, detailing findings, identifying remaining unknowns, and suggesting a story seed to support technical decision-making.

What's the best way to refine requirements for complex technical decisions?▼

Refining requirements for complex technical decisions involves scoping investigations, identifying options with trade-offs, and documenting findings to provide clarity on uncertain areas and pave the way for clear requirements.

When should I not use a structured investigation framework for story writing?▼

Avoid using a structured investigation framework when a topic is already clear enough for direct story writing, as the process is specifically designed to tackle uncertainty and ambiguity in complex technical or product questions.