shaping

name	shaping
description	Use this methodology when collaboratively shaping a solution with the user - iterating on problem definition (requirements) and solution options (shapes).

Shaping Methodology

A structured approach for collaboratively defining problems and exploring solution options. Keep the active artifact visible, negotiate requirements and shapes with the user, and preserve consistency across the document hierarchy.

Invocation

Use this skill when the user wants to shape a feature, clarify a problem, compare solution options, turn a selected solution into implementation slices, or continue work in an existing shaping document.

Session workflow

1. Load the right references. Always read CONSISTENCY.md, CONCEPTS.md, and COMMUNICATION.md. Then read any topic files that match the session:
   • comparing options or alternatives: FIT_CHECKS.md
   • writing or revising parts: SHAPE_PARTS.md
   • using breadboards, detailing, or slicing: BREADBOARDS_AND_SLICING.md
   • framing, shaping docs, slices docs, or slice plans: DOCUMENTS.md
   • investigation tasks: SPIKES.md
   • example format: EXAMPLE.md
2. Choose the entry point. Offer both starts: from requirements (problem, pain points, constraints) or from shapes (a solution already in mind). There is no required order; R and S inform each other throughout.
3. If continuing an existing shaping doc, orient on the selected shape. Show the fit check for the selected shape only, then call out unsolved requirements or selected-shape failures.
4. Work iteratively. Populate R, sketch shapes, detail components, explore alternatives, check fit, extract missing requirements, breadboard, spike unknowns, decide, or slice as needed.
5. Maintain consistency. Whenever a change touches one level, update affected higher or lower documents in the same operation.

Router

Need	Read
Document hierarchy, ripple rules, and anti-drift practice	CONSISTENCY.md
Requirements, shapes, notation, phases, and possible actions	CONCEPTS.md
Fit-check formats, conventions, alternatives, macro fit checks	FIT_CHECKS.md
Full-table display, complete artifacts, change markers	COMMUNICATION.md
Spike purpose, file management, structure, acceptance, questions	SPIKES.md
Breadboards, detailing a selected shape, slicing outputs	BREADBOARDS_AND_SLICING.md
Shape-part mechanics, flags, vertical parts, hierarchy	SHAPE_PARTS.md
Frame, shaping, slices, slice plans, frontmatter, source material	DOCUMENTS.md
Concrete search-feature example	EXAMPLE.md

Completion check

Before ending a shaping turn, verify:

• Every displayed requirements or shape table is complete, not summarized.
• Changed or added table lines are marked with 🟡 when re-rendering.
• Fit checks use the required symbols and put explanations in notes or gap tables.
• Any flagged unknown that affects fit is treated as unresolved or turned into a spike.
• All affected levels of the document hierarchy are synchronized.