| name | test-design |
| description | Creating or changing tests, fixtures, mocks, snapshots, test helpers, or test harnesses; require a pre-write Test Design Brief. |
Test Design
Use before creating or changing any repository-test artifact. Reading or running tests alone does not trigger this skill.
Workflow
- Keep the active workflow as driver.
- Read
references/pattern-library.md completely.
- Select every relevant profile, then read only the selected profile references completely.
- Inspect the public behaviour, repository test conventions, and focused command.
- Write this complete brief in the active conversation before editing:
Test Design Brief
Behaviour:
Seam and proof layer:
Independent result:
How it goes RED:
Relevant profiles and gotchas:
Focused command:
Still unproved:
- For an existing repository-approved or user-selected seam, return to the current workflow.
- For a new, changed, or disputed seam, stop before mutation and ask the user to approve the seam.
Do not accept a brief whose expected result restates the implementation. Do not claim a broader boundary than the selected proof layer reaches.
Driver handbacks
tdd: brief before the first test edit; return for RED to GREEN.diagnosing-bugs: brief after reproduction and isolation; return before the regression-test edit.ci-testbed: use only when mismatch repair changes a repository-test artifact; return to its repair owner.cli-author: brief after contract and seam selection; return before test implementation.test-runner: use only when repair changes a repository-test artifact; return to repair mode.improve-test-architecture: brief after Nathan selects a candidate; return to the selected improvement workflow.
Done
- Brief visible and complete before the first repository-test artifact edit.
- Seam already approved, already selected, or awaiting explicit approval.
- Handback to the active workflow explicit.
- Remaining unproved boundary stated without hiding skips, disabled cases, or environmental gaps.
Next safe action: return the completed brief to the current workflow.
