Use when adding new error messages to React, or seeing "unknown error code" warnings.
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
β
Phase 1: Problem space (1-2 rounds)
β
Phase 2: Deep dive (multiple rounds)
β
Phase 3: Resolve contradictions
β
Phase 4: Check readiness
β (loop if gaps)
Generate intent.md
β
Ask if overview needed
β
Generate overview.md
β
(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.