ADR Creator workflow skill. Use this skill when the user needs Creates Architecture Decision Records (ADRs) to document significant architectural choices and their rationale for future team members. Use when the user says "write an ADR", "document this decision", "record why we chose X", "add an architecture decision record", "create an ADR for", or wants to capture the reasoning behind a technical choice so the team understands it later. Do NOT use when the decision hasn't been made yet (use create-rfc instead), for implementation planning (use technical-design-doc-creator), or for general documentation and the operator should preserve the upstream workflow, copied support files, and provenance before merging or handing off.
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ADR Creator workflow skill. Use this skill when the user needs Creates Architecture Decision Records (ADRs) to document significant architectural choices and their rationale for future team members. Use when the user says "write an ADR", "document this decision", "record why we chose X", "add an architecture decision record", "create an ADR for", or wants to capture the reasoning behind a technical choice so the team understands it later. Do NOT use when the decision hasn't been made yet (use create-rfc instead), for implementation planning (use technical-design-doc-creator), or for general documentation and the operator should preserve the upstream workflow, copied support files, and provenance before merging or handing off.
This public intake copy packages packages/skills-catalog/skills/(creation)/create-adr from https://github.com/tech-leads-club/agent-skills into the native Omni Skills editorial shape without hiding its origin.
Use it when the operator needs the upstream workflow, support files, and repository context to stay intact while the public validator and private enhancer continue their normal downstream flow.
This intake keeps the copied upstream files intact and uses the external_source block in metadata.json plus ORIGIN.md as the provenance anchor for review.
ADR Creator You are an expert in creating Architecture Decision Records (ADRs) — concise, durable documents that capture the context, decision, and consequences of significant architectural choices so future team members understand why things are the way they are.
Imported source sections that did not map cleanly to the public headings are still preserved below or in the support files. Notable imported sections: ADR vs RFC — Critical Distinction, Language Adaptation, ADR Format Selection, Document Templates, Decision Drivers, Considered Options.
When to Use This Skill
Use this section as the trigger filter. It should make the activation boundary explicit before the operator loads files, runs commands, or opens a pull request.
User asks to "write an ADR", "create an ADR", "add an architecture decision record"
User wants to "document why we chose X", "record this decision", "capture this architectural choice"
A significant technical decision has been made (or is being finalized) and needs to be recorded
The team wants to preserve the reasoning behind a choice for future engineers
User asks "why did we choose X" and the answer should be written down permanently
Decisions not yet made — use create-rfc to drive the decision process first
Operating Table
Situation
Start here
Why it matters
First-time use
metadata.json
Confirms repository, branch, commit, and imported path through the external_source block before touching the copied workflow
Provenance review
ORIGIN.md
Gives reviewers a plain-language audit trail for the imported source
Workflow execution
README.md
Starts with the smallest copied file that materially changes execution
Supporting context
README.md
Adds the next most relevant copied source file without loading the entire package
Handoff decision
## Related Skills
Helps the operator switch to a stronger native skill when the task drifts
Workflow
This workflow is intentionally editorial and operational at the same time. It keeps the imported source useful to the operator while still satisfying the public intake standards that feed the downstream enhancer flow.
Decision title (noun phrase, not a question — e.g., "Use Redis for session storage")
Date of the decision (or today's date)
Status (Accepted / Proposed / Deprecated / Superseded)
Context — the forces, constraints, and situation that made this decision necessary
The decision itself — what was chosen and why
Consequences — what becomes easier, harder, or different as a result
Decision drivers — the key criteria or constraints
Imported Workflow Notes
Imported: Interactive Workflow
Step 1: Gather Context (if not provided)
If the user provides minimal context, use AskQuestion to collect essential information:
{"title":"ADR Information","questions":[{"id":"adr_decision","prompt":"What was the decision made? (e.g., 'Use PostgreSQL for primary storage')","options":[{"id":"free_text","label":"I'll describe it in my next message"}]},{"id":"adr_format","prompt":"Which ADR format would you like to use?","options":[{"id":"madr","label":"MADR — structured, with options comparison (recommended)"},{"id":"nygard","label":"Nygard — minimal: Context / Decision / Consequences"},{"id":"y_statement","label":"Y-Statement — single paragraph, very compact"}]},{"id":"adr_status","prompt":"What is the current status of this decision?","options":[{"id":"accepted","label":"Accepted — decision is final"},{"id":"proposed","label":"Proposed — decision is being finalized"},{"id":"deprecated","label":"Deprecated — this approach is no longer recommended"},{"id":"superseded","label":"Superseded — replaced by a newer decision"}]},{"id":"adr_supersedes","prompt":"Does this ADR supersede a previous decision?","options":[{"id":"yes","label":"Yes — I'll provide the ADR number/title"},{"id":"no","label":"No — this is a new decision"}]}]}
Step 2: Validate Mandatory Fields
MANDATORY fields — ask if missing:
Decision title (noun phrase, not a question — e.g., "Use Redis for session storage")
Date of the decision (or today's date)
Status (Accepted / Proposed / Deprecated / Superseded)
Context — the forces, constraints, and situation that made this decision necessary
The decision itself — what was chosen and why
Consequences — what becomes easier, harder, or different as a result
RECOMMENDED fields:
Decision drivers — the key criteria or constraints
Options considered — what alternatives were evaluated
Pros/cons per option — honest trade-off assessment
Decision outcome rationale — why this option over the others
Links — related ADRs, RFCs, tickets, or documentation
If any mandatory fields are missing, ask IN THE USER'S LANGUAGE before generating the document.
Step 3: Assign ADR Number
Scan the existing ADR directory for the next sequential number:
Check if an ADR directory exists (docs/adr/, docs/decisions/, .adr/, or adr/)
Find the highest existing number
Assign the next number (e.g., if ADR-007 exists, this becomes ADR-008)
If no directory exists, start at ADR-001 and suggest creating the directory
Step 4: Generate the ADR
Generate the ADR following the format selected in Step 1.
Step 5: Offer File Placement
After generating, ask where to save it:
ADR Created: "ADR-{NNN}: {Title}"
Suggested file path: docs/adr/{NNN}-{kebab-case-title}.md
Would you like me to:
1. Save it to docs/adr/ (recommended convention)
2. Save it to a different location
3. Just show the content (I'll place it manually)
Imported: ADR vs RFC — Critical Distinction
Aspect
ADR
RFC
Timing
Decision already made (or being finalized)
Before the decision (seeking input)
Purpose
Record for future team members
Proposal seeking approval
Audience
Engineers joining months or years later
Current stakeholders
Length
Short — 200–500 words
Long — thorough comparison
Mutability
Immutable — superseded, never edited
Iterative — evolves during review
Tone
Historical record
Deliberative proposal
If the user says "I need to decide whether to do X" → use create-rfc.
If the user says "We decided to do X, let me document it" → use this skill.
Examples
Example 1: Ask for the upstream workflow directly
Use @create-adr to handle <task>. Start from the copied upstream workflow, load only the files that change the outcome, and keep provenance visible in the answer.
Explanation: This is the safest starting point when the operator needs the imported workflow, but not the entire repository.
Example 2: Ask for a provenance-grounded review
Review @create-adr against metadata.json and ORIGIN.md, then explain which copied upstream files you would load first and why.
Explanation: Use this before review or troubleshooting when you need a precise, auditable explanation of origin and file selection.
Example 3: Narrow the copied support files before execution
Use @create-adr for <task>. Load only the copied references, examples, or scripts that change the outcome, and name the files explicitly before proceeding.
Explanation: This keeps the skill aligned with progressive disclosure instead of loading the whole copied package by default.
Example 4: Build a reviewer packet
Review @create-adr using the copied upstream files plus provenance, then summarize any gaps before merge.
Explanation: This is useful when the PR is waiting for human review and you want a repeatable audit packet.
Best Practices
Treat the generated public skill as a reviewable packaging layer around the upstream repository. The goal is to keep provenance explicit and load only the copied source material that materially improves execution.
Keep the imported skill grounded in the upstream repository; do not invent steps that the source material cannot support.
Prefer the smallest useful set of support files so the workflow stays auditable and fast to review.
Keep provenance, source commit, and imported file paths visible in notes and PR descriptions.
Point directly at the copied upstream files that justify the workflow instead of relying on generic review boilerplate.
Treat generated examples as scaffolding; adapt them to the concrete task before execution.
Route to a stronger native skill when architecture, debugging, design, or security concerns become dominant.
Troubleshooting
Problem: The operator skipped the imported context and answered too generically
Symptoms: The result ignores the upstream workflow in packages/skills-catalog/skills/(creation)/create-adr, fails to mention provenance, or does not use any copied source files at all.
Solution: Re-open metadata.json, ORIGIN.md, and the most relevant copied upstream files. Check the external_source block first, then restate the provenance before continuing.
Problem: The imported workflow feels incomplete during review
Symptoms: Reviewers can see the generated SKILL.md, but they cannot quickly tell which references, examples, or scripts matter for the current task.
Solution: Point at the exact copied references, examples, scripts, or assets that justify the path you took. If the gap is still real, record it in the PR instead of hiding it.
Problem: The task drifted into a different specialization
Symptoms: The imported skill starts in the right place, but the work turns into debugging, architecture, design, security, or release orchestration that a native skill handles better.
Solution: Use the related skills section to hand off deliberately. Keep the imported provenance visible so the next skill inherits the right context instead of starting blind.
Imported Troubleshooting Notes
Imported: Context and Problem Statement
{Describe the context and the problem or question that led to this decision.
2–4 sentences. What situation forced this choice?}
Related Skills
@accessibility - Use when the work is better handled by that native specialization after this imported skill establishes context.
@ai-cold-outreach - Use when the work is better handled by that native specialization after this imported skill establishes context.
@ai-pricing - Use when the work is better handled by that native specialization after this imported skill establishes context.
@ai-sdr - Use when the work is better handled by that native specialization after this imported skill establishes context.
Additional Resources
Use this support matrix and the linked files below as the operator packet for this imported skill. They should reflect real copied source material, not generic scaffolding.
Resource family
What it gives the reviewer
Example path
references
copied reference notes, guides, or background material from upstream
references/n/a
examples
worked examples or reusable prompts copied from upstream
examples/n/a
scripts
upstream helper scripts that change execution or validation
scripts/n/a
agents
routing or delegation notes that are genuinely part of the imported package
agents/n/a
assets
supporting assets or schemas copied from the source package
CRITICAL: Always generate the ADR in the same language as the user's request. Detect the language automatically.
Keep technical terms in English when appropriate (e.g., "ADR", "API", "microservices")
All section headers and content should be in the user's language
Company/product names remain in original form
Imported: ADR Format Selection
Three formats are widely used. Detect the right one from context, or ask:
Format
Best For
Length
MADR (Markdown ADR)
Teams that want structured options comparison
Medium
Nygard (original)
Minimal, fast recording; obvious decisions
Short
Y-Statement
Inline documentation, very compact contexts
One paragraph
Default to MADR unless the user specifies otherwise or the decision is very simple.
Imported: Document Templates
MADR Format (Default)
# ADR-{NNN}: {Title}-**Date**: YYYY-MM-DD
-**Status**: Accepted | Proposed | Deprecated | Superseded by [ADR-NNN]({link})
-**Deciders**: {who was involved in the decision}
-**Tags**: {optional: architecture, security, performance, database, etc.}
#### Imported: Decision Drivers- {Driver 1 — e.g., "Must support 10k concurrent users"}
- {Driver 2 — e.g., "Team has no Go experience"}
- {Driver 3 — e.g., "Must be deployable on-premise"}
#### Imported: Considered Options- {Option A}
- {Option B}
- {Option C — "Do nothing / status quo" when relevant}
#### Imported: Decision Outcome
Chosen option: **"{Option A}"**, because {concise rationale tied to decision drivers}.
### Positive Consequences- {Benefit 1}
- {Benefit 2}
### Negative Consequences- {Trade-off 1 — be honest}
- {Trade-off 2}
#### Imported: Pros and Cons of the Options### {Option A} ✅ Chosen- ✅ {Pro 1}
- ✅ {Pro 2}
- ❌ {Con 1}
### {Option B}- ✅ {Pro 1}
- ❌ {Con 1}
- ❌ {Con 2}
### {Option C}- ✅ {Pro 1}
- ❌ {Con 1}
#### Imported: Links- {Related ADR, RFC, ticket, or documentation}
- Supersedes: [ADR-{NNN}: {Title}]({link}) (if applicable)
- Superseded by: [ADR-{NNN}: {Title}]({link}) (if applicable)
Nygard Format (Minimal)
# ADR-{NNN}: {Title}#### Imported: Status
Accepted | Proposed | Deprecated | Superseded by ADR-{NNN}
#### Imported: Context
{What is the situation that led to this decision?
What forces are at play — technical, business, organizational?
What constraints exist? 2–5 sentences.}
#### Imported: Decision
{What did we decide to do?
State it directly, in active voice: "We will use X" or "We decided to adopt Y."
Include a brief rationale — why this option over the alternatives.}
#### Imported: Consequences
{What becomes easier or better as a result?}
{What becomes harder or worse? Be honest about trade-offs.}
{What new concerns or constraints does this introduce?}
Y-Statement Format (Compact)
# ADR-{NNN}: {Title}**Date**: YYYY-MM-DD | **Status**: Accepted
In the context of **{situation/use case}**,
facing **{concern or constraint}**,
we decided **{the option chosen}**,
to achieve **{quality attribute or goal}**,
accepting **{the downside or trade-off}**.
**Deciders**: {names or roles}
**Links**: {related ADRs, tickets}
Imported: ADR Quality Checklist
Before finalizing, verify:
Title is a noun phrase describing the decision (not a question, not a vague label)
Date is included (decisions without dates lose context quickly)
Status is set correctly — Accepted, Proposed, Deprecated, or Superseded
Context explains the forces that made this decision necessary, not just what was done
Decision is stated directly and tied to the context
Consequences include honest trade-offs — not just positives
Options (MADR format) include at least 2 alternatives actually considered
Supersedes / superseded by links are included when applicable
docs/adr/
├── 001-use-postgresql-for-primary-storage.md
├── 002-adopt-event-driven-architecture.md
├── 003-replace-jenkins-with-github-actions.md ← supersedes ADR-001 if relevant
└── README.md ← optional index
Zero-padded numbers: 001, 002, ... 099, 100
Kebab-case title
.md extension
Common directories: docs/adr/, docs/decisions/, adr/, .adr/
Imported: Common Anti-Patterns to Avoid
Title as a Question
BAD: # ADR-001: Should we use PostgreSQL?
GOOD: # ADR-001: Use PostgreSQL for Primary Storage
Titles should record the decision, not the question. Future readers need to know what was decided, not what was considered.
Vague Context
BAD:
We needed a database and chose PostgreSQL.
GOOD:
Our application requires a relational database with strong ACID guarantees.
The team has deep PostgreSQL experience. MySQL was evaluated but lacks
native support for JSONB columns, which our schema design requires.
Our cloud provider (AWS) offers managed PostgreSQL via RDS at acceptable cost.
Context should explain the forces — why wasn't the alternative obviously better?
Consequences Without Trade-offs
BAD:
#### Imported: Consequences
PostgreSQL is fast and reliable.
GOOD:
#### Imported: Consequences
- Enables JSONB columns and advanced indexing for our query patterns
- Team expertise means fast onboarding and fewer operational surprises
- Adds operational burden compared to a managed NoSQL service
- Schema migrations require careful planning in a relational model
Honest trade-offs are what make ADRs valuable years later.
Editing Instead of Superseding
BAD: Editing an old ADR to change the decision after the fact.
GOOD: Creating a new ADR with Status: Superseded by ADR-{NNN} on the old one and linking back.
ADRs are historical records. The old decision was correct given what was known at the time. Superseding preserves that context.
Missing the "Why Not" Rationale
BAD:
#### Imported: Decision
We will use Redis for session storage.
GOOD:
#### Imported: Decision
We will use Redis for session storage. We considered storing sessions in PostgreSQL
(already in our stack) but Redis's built-in TTL support and in-memory performance
make it significantly better suited for high-frequency session reads. The operational
cost of an additional service is justified by the simplified session expiry logic.
The rationale is why this option and not the others — not just what was chosen.
Imported: Important Notes
ADRs are immutable — never edit the decision. Supersede with a new ADR.
Short is better — 200–500 words is ideal. If it needs to be longer, move detail to a linked TDD or RFC.
Context ages — always date the ADR; what seems obvious now won't be in 3 years.
Honest consequences — a one-sided ADR loses credibility. Future engineers will hit the downsides regardless.
Link everything — related ADRs, the RFC that drove the decision, tickets, PR references.
Language adaptation — always write in the user's language.
Number sequentially — check the directory before assigning a number.
