ArcBlock

intent-interview

5
0
# Install this skill:
npx skills add ArcBlock/idd --skill "intent-interview"

Install specific skill from multi-skill repository

# Description

Transform vague ideas into implementation-ready specifications through structured interviewing. Use when user describes a new feature/product idea, has a problem to solve, or needs to document requirements. Produces intent.md (technical spec for code agents) and overview.md (human-friendly summary).

# SKILL.md


name: intent-interview
description: Transform vague ideas into implementation-ready specifications through structured interviewing. Use when user describes a new feature/product idea, has a problem to solve, or needs to document requirements. Produces intent.md (technical spec for code agents) and overview.md (human-friendly summary).


Intent Interview

A structured methodology for extracting, refining, and documenting product/feature requirements through deep interviewing.

Output Artifacts

intent.md (for Code Agents)

Detailed technical specification with:
- Architecture design
- Data contracts and schemas
- Implementation guide with code examples
- Project structure
- Decision rationale

overview.md (for Humans)

One-page summary with:
- Problem statement
- Core experience flow
- Architecture diagram (ASCII)
- Key decisions table
- Scope and risks

Interview Process

Phase 1: Problem Space

Start by understanding WHAT before HOW.

Questions to ask:
- What is the core problem?
- Who is the target user?
- Is this a new product or addition to existing?
- What's the priority/urgency?

Phase 2: Deep Dive (Iterative)

Cover these dimensions systematically, 3-4 questions per round:

Dimension Key Questions
Data Sources, contracts, validation, conflicts, authentication
Rendering Cross-platform strategy, components, theming, sizing
Sync/Update Real-time requirements, refresh strategy, failure handling
Architecture Storage, sharing, cloud/local, offline capability
UX Configuration flow, error states, feedback mechanisms
Edge Cases Failures, migrations, security, low-end devices
Scope MVP boundaries, what's in/out, phasing
Tech Stack Languages, frameworks, existing code to reuse

Phase 3: Contradiction Resolution

When answers conflict with earlier choices:
1. Point out the contradiction explicitly
2. Ask for clarification with specific options
3. Update understanding accordingly

Phase 4: Implementation Readiness Check

Before writing specs, verify:
- Can a code agent implement this without asking questions?
- Are all technical choices specified?
- Are edge cases covered?

If gaps exist, continue interviewing.

Question Design

Do

  • Ask non-obvious, probing questions
  • Probe tradeoffs ("if X fails, should we Y or Z?")
  • Use concrete scenarios
  • Offer 3-4 mutually exclusive options
  • Match user's language (δΈ­ζ–‡/English)

Don't

  • Ask yes/no questions
  • Ask obvious implementation details
  • Ask multiple unrelated questions at once

Format

Use AskUserQuestion tool with:
- 1-4 questions per round
- 2-4 options per question
- Short header (max 12 chars)
- Clear option descriptions

intent.md Template

# [Project] Specification

## 1. Overview
- Product positioning
- Core concept
- Priority
- Target user
- Project scope

## 2. Architecture
- Data layer
- Rendering layer
- Key subsystems

## 3. Detailed Behavior
- Update/refresh
- Error handling
- Data processing

## 4. User Experience
- Key flows
- Configuration

## 5. Technical Implementation Guide
- Project structure
- Code examples

## 6. Decisions Summary
| Decision | Choice | Rationale |

## 7. MVP Scope
- Included
- Excluded

## 8. Risks

## 9. Open Items

overview.md Template

# [Project]: One-line description

## One sentence explanation

## Why?
Problem in plain language

## Core experience
ASCII flow diagram

## Architecture
ASCII component diagram

## Key decisions
| Question | Choice | Why |

## Scope
In / Out

## Risk + Mitigation

## Next steps

Workflow

User describes idea
    ↓
Phase 1: Problem space (1-2 rounds)
    ↓
Phase 2: Deep dive (multiple rounds)
    ↓
Phase 3: Resolve contradictions
    ↓
Phase 4: Check readiness
    ↓ (loop if gaps)
Generate intent.md
    ↓
Ask if overview needed
    ↓
Generate overview.md
    ↓
(Optional) Push to repository

# Supported AI Coding Agents

This skill is compatible with the SKILL.md standard and works with all major AI coding agents:

Learn more about the SKILL.md standard and how to use these skills with your preferred AI coding agent.