PRD Generation Skill

This skill provides structured knowledge for creating comprehensive, AI-optimized Product Requirements Documents.

Core Principles

1. Phase-Based Milestones (Not Timelines)

PRDs should define clear phases with completion criteria rather than time estimates:

• Phase 1: Foundation - Core infrastructure and data models
• Phase 2: Core Features - Primary user-facing functionality
• Phase 3: Enhancement - Secondary features and optimizations
• Phase 4: Polish - UX refinement, edge cases, documentation

2. Testable Requirements

Every requirement should include:

• Clear acceptance criteria - Specific, measurable conditions for completion
• Test scenarios - How to verify the requirement is met
• Edge cases - Known boundary conditions to handle

3. Human Checkpoint Gates

Define explicit points where human review is required:

• Architecture decisions before implementation begins
• API contract review before integration work
• Security review before authentication/authorization features
• UX review before user-facing changes ship

4. Context for AI Consumption

Structure PRDs for optimal AI assistant consumption:

• Use consistent heading hierarchy
• Include code examples where applicable
• Reference existing patterns in the codebase
• Provide clear file location guidance

Template Selection

Choose the appropriate template based on depth level:

PRD Compilation Process

When compiling a PRD from gathered requirements:

1. Select template based on requested depth level
2. Organize information into template sections
3. Fill gaps by inferring logical requirements (flag assumptions clearly)
4. Add acceptance criteria for each functional requirement
5. Define phases with clear completion criteria
6. Insert checkpoint gates at critical decision points
7. Review for completeness before presenting to user

Writing Guidelines

Requirement Formatting

### REQ-001: [Requirement Name]

**Priority**: P0 (Critical) | P1 (High) | P2 (Medium) | P3 (Low)

**Description**: Clear, concise statement of what is needed.

**Acceptance Criteria**:
- [ ] Criterion 1
- [ ] Criterion 2

**Notes**: Any additional context or constraints.

User Story Format

**As a** [user type]
**I want** [capability]
**So that** [benefit/value]

API Specification Format (Full Tech Only)

#### Endpoint: `METHOD /path`

**Purpose**: Brief description

**Request**:
- Headers: `Content-Type: application/json`
- Body:
  ```json
  {
    "field": "type - description"
  }

Response:

• 200 OK: Success response schema
• 400 Bad Request: Validation errors
• 401 Unauthorized: Authentication required

## Reference Files

- `references/template-high-level.md` - Streamlined executive overview template
- `references/template-detailed.md` - Standard PRD template with all sections
- `references/template-full-tech.md` - Extended template with technical specifications
- `references/interview-questions.md` - Question bank for requirement gathering