dd-to-issues

name	dd-to-issues
description	Break a Design-Document (DD) into independently-grabbable Linear issues using tracer-bullet vertical slices. Use when user wants to convert a DD to issues, create implementation tickets, or break down a DD into work items.

DD to Issues

Break a DD into independently-grabbable Linear issues using vertical slices (tracer bullets).

Process

1. Locate the DD

Ask the user for the DD location. A DD is either:

• A Notion document — the user provides a Notion URL or page title.
• A Markdown file — the user provides a file path.

2. Explore the codebase (optional)

If you have not already explored the codebase, do so to understand the current state of the code.

3. Extract or draft vertical slices

The DD may already contain vertical slices in a section called "Elephant carpaccio". Check for it first:

• If the section exists and is filled: use those slices as the starting point. Verify they comply with the vertical-slice-rules below, and propose adjustments if needed.
• If the section exists but is empty, or does not exist: draft the slices yourself following the rules below.

Each issue is a thin vertical slice that cuts through ALL integration layers end-to-end, NOT a horizontal slice of one layer.

- Each slice delivers a narrow but COMPLETE path through every layer (schema, API, UI, tests) - A completed slice is demoable or verifiable on its own - Prefer many thin slices over few thick ones

Coverage check: verify that the union of all slices covers the entire scope of the DD (all user stories, acceptance criteria, and non-functional requirements). Flag any gaps to the user.

4. Quiz the user

Present the proposed breakdown as a numbered list. For each slice, show:

• Title: short descriptive name
• Blocked by: which other slices (if any) must complete first
• User stories covered: which user stories from the DD this addresses

Ask the user:

• Does the granularity feel right? (too coarse / too fine)
• Are the dependency relationships correct?
• Should any slices be merged or split further?

Iterate until the user approves the breakdown.

5. Create the Linear issues

For each approved slice, create a Linear issue. Use the issue body template below.

Create issues in dependency order (blockers first) so you can reference real issue identifiers in the blockedBy field. Ask the user which team and project to use if not obvious from the DD.

## What to build

A concise description of this vertical slice. Describe the end-to-end behavior, not layer-by-layer implementation. Reference specific sections of the parent DD rather than duplicating content.

Acceptance criteria

Focus on observable behaviors, not implementation details.

• Criterion 1
• Criterion 2
• Criterion 3

Implementation hints

A concise description of some of the important implementation details that have been decided in the DD.

References (optional)

Any links that might be useful to implement this issue or better understand the context.

Blocked by

• Blocked by (if any)

Or "None - can start immediately" if no blockers.

6. Update the DD's Elephant carpaccio section

After all issues are created, add (or fill in) the Elephant carpaccio section in the DD with links to the newly created Linear issues.