to-prd

name	to-prd
description	To PRD - Conversation to Product Requirements Document

To PRD - Conversation to Product Requirements Document

Core Principle

Transform the current conversation context and codebase understanding into a comprehensive PRD without interviewing the user. Synthesize what is already known, explore the codebase to fill gaps, and produce a structured requirements document saved in .plans/prd-{name}.md for reference by planning and implementation phases.

When to Use

Trigger this skill when:

• User says "create a PRD" or "write a PRD"
• User wants to turn the conversation into a formal document
• User says "turn this into a PRD"
• After a grill-me session when decisions are solidified
• When moving from exploration to formal planning phase

Process

Step 1: Explore the Codebase

Before writing anything, explore the repository to understand:

1. Current state

   • Read relevant existing code
   • Understand current architecture and patterns
   • Identify files/modules that will be affected

2. Domain vocabulary

   • Check for domain glossary or ubiquitous language documentation
   • Use project-specific terminology throughout the PRD
   • Respect naming conventions and abstractions

3. Architectural Decision Records (ADRs)

   • Look for ADRs in the area being touched
   • Respect existing architectural decisions
   • Note any new ADRs that may be needed

4. Prior art

   • Find similar features or patterns in the codebase
   • Identify testing approaches used for similar features
   • Learn from existing module structure

Use the Task tool with subagent_type=Explore for this codebase exploration.

Step 2: Identify Modules

Sketch out the major modules you will need to build or modify.

Deep Modules (Preferred):

• Simple, stable interface that rarely changes
• Encapsulates complex functionality internally
• Easy to test in isolation
• High functionality-to-interface-complexity ratio

Shallow Modules (Avoid):

• Complex interface with little encapsulated functionality
• Leaks implementation details
• Hard to test without extensive mocking
• Interface changes frequently

Actively look for opportunities to extract deep modules.

Example:

Good (Deep):    cache.Get(key) → complex TTL, eviction, serialization hidden
Bad (Shallow):  cache.GetWithTTL(key, ttl, evictionPolicy, serializer) → leaks details

Check with user:

1. Present the list of modules to be built/modified
2. Confirm these match user expectations
3. Ask which modules need tests (use AskUserQuestion tool)

Step 3: Write the PRD

Using the template below, write a comprehensive PRD that includes:

• Problem statement from user's perspective
• Solution from user's perspective
• Extensive list of user stories (numbered)
• Implementation decisions (modules, interfaces, technical choices)
• Testing decisions (what to test, how to test, prior art)
• Out of scope items
• Further notes

CRITICAL: Do NOT include specific file paths or code snippets in the PRD. These become outdated quickly. Focus on concepts and modules.

Step 4: Write PRD to .plans/ Directory

1. Create .plans/ directory if it doesn't exist: mkdir -p .plans
2. Generate filename from feature name: prd-{kebab-case-name}.md
3. Write the PRD to .plans/prd-{name}.md
4. Return the file path to the user

File naming examples:

• "Add Authentication" → .plans/prd-add-authentication.md
• "API Caching Layer" → .plans/prd-api-caching-layer.md

PRD Template

# [Feature Name]

## Problem Statement

The problem that the user is facing, from the user's perspective.

## Solution

The solution to the problem, from the user's perspective.

## User Stories

A LONG, numbered list of user stories. Each user story should be in the format:

1. As an <actor>, I want a <feature>, so that <benefit>

Example:
1. As a mobile bank customer, I want to see balance on my accounts, so that I can make better informed decisions about my spending

This list should be extremely extensive and cover all aspects of the feature.

## Implementation Decisions

A list of implementation decisions that were made. This can include:

- The modules that will be built/modified
- The interfaces of those modules that will be modified
- Technical clarifications from the developer
- Architectural decisions
- Schema changes
- API contracts
- Specific interactions

Do NOT include specific file paths or code snippets. They may end up being outdated very quickly.

## Testing Decisions

A list of testing decisions that were made. Include:

- A description of what makes a good test (only test external behavior, not implementation details)
- Which modules will be tested
- Prior art for the tests (i.e. similar types of tests in the codebase)

## Out of Scope

A description of the things that are out of scope for this PRD.

## Further Notes

Any further notes about the feature.

Anti-Patterns

• Interviewing the user (that's grill-me's job - synthesize what you know)
• Writing PRD without exploring the codebase first
• Ignoring domain vocabulary or ADRs
• Including specific file paths or code snippets
• Creating shallow modules when deep modules are possible
• Not checking module expectations with user
• Writing vague user stories ("As a user, I want it to work")
• Publishing to issue tracker instead of .plans/ directory

Integration with Other Skills

This skill fits into the workflow:

[Conversation/grill-me] → /to-prd → /to-phases → /go-team
     (Explore)           (Document)  (Structure)  (Execute)

Before to-prd:

• Use grill-me to validate approach through questioning
• Have substantive conversation about what to build

After to-prd:

• Use to-phases to break PRD into implementation phases
• Use go-team/node-team/zig-team to execute tasks

File structure created:

.plans/
└── prd-{feature-name}.md    # Created by to-prd

Example Output

When complete, provide:

Created PRD: [Feature Name]

File: .plans/prd-{feature-name}.md

Next steps:
- Review the PRD for completeness
- Use /to-phases to break into implementation phases
- Use /[language]-team to execute

Modules identified:
1. [Module name] - [brief description] - [Deep/Shallow]
2. [Module name] - [brief description] - [Deep/Shallow]

Modules to test: [list based on user response]

Notes

• This is a synthesis skill - use what you already know from conversation
• The PRD should be comprehensive but not prescriptive about implementation
• Focus on WHAT and WHY, not specific HOW (file paths, line numbers)
• Deep modules are testable, maintainable, and hide complexity
• The PRD becomes the source of truth for planning and implementation