| name | time-and-transition-support |
| description | Externalize time, checkpoints, stopping rules, and context transitions. Use when estimates are uncertain, a task may expand indefinitely, the user is switching topics, or an interruption risks losing the current state. |
Time and Transition Support
Turn invisible time and context changes into visible state.
Procedure
- Give a range rather than a false point estimate. Include hidden costs.
- Name the next checkpoint and the evidence expected there.
- Set a stop condition for research, retries, or open-ended refinement.
- Before a topic shift, save:
- active outcome
- last verified fact
- current action
- blocker or decision
- exact re-entry step
- Announce the transition in one line.
- On return, resume from the saved re-entry step rather than reconstructing the conversation.
Estimate Shape
Best: ...
Realistic: ...
Worst: ...
Hidden costs: ...
Next checkpoint: ...
Use elapsed-time feedback to revise future estimates. A confident estimate without observed task data is a hypothesis.
Guardrails
Do not convert estimates into promises. Do not repeatedly interrupt focused work with reminders. Do not erase unfinished work when shifting topics. Do not claim a transition is complete until the saved state can actually restart the task.
Source Basis
Synthesized from Dawson and Guare's time-management and flexibility supports, Kolberg and Nadeau's externalized time and launch points, and neurodivergent transition guidance in Neff and NESTL.
