writing-spec-documents

Implementation specification documents maintain traceability by enforcing structured frontmatter entry points and XML component templates that link design decisions directly back to PRD and FR references. This ensures every specification component maps to original product requirements.

A living specification document is an evolving implementation spec that updates during sequencing and implementation rather than remaining static. You need one during Phase 2 and beyond when whiteboard decisions and design choices must stay traceable throughout development.

Structure implementation specs using frontmatter-driven entry points and XML-based component templates that enforce standardized acceptance criteria traceability. This format links each sequencing decision and design component back to original whiteboard decisions.

Standardized acceptance criteria traceability works with existing PRD and FR references by mapping each XML component template back to those original documents. The frontmatter entry point ensures all design and sequencing decisions remain linked to established requirements.

The best way to keep specification documents synchronized is using a living document approach applied during Phase 2 and beyond. It maintains continuous traceability to whiteboard decisions and PRD references as sequencing and implementation progress.

Specification documents lose traceability when they lack enforced frontmatter entry points and XML component templates. Without standardized acceptance criteria traceability linking design decisions to whiteboard decisions, connections to original PRD references break as implementation evolves.