Structured interactive questionnaire framework for gathering requirements from users. Uses A/B/C/D/E multiple choice patterns with additive vs exclusive question classification.
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Structured interactive questionnaire framework for gathering requirements from users. Uses A/B/C/D/E multiple choice patterns with additive vs exclusive question classification.
version
1.1.0
model
sonnet
invoked_by
both
user_invocable
true
tools
["Read","Write","Edit","AskUserQuestion"]
best_practices
["Ask questions one at a time, never multiple at once","Classify each question as Additive or Exclusive before asking","Always include \"Type your own\" and \"Auto-generate\" options","Confirm understanding before moving to next question","Use gathered answers (not options) as source of truth for generation"]
error_handling
graceful
streaming
supported
verified
true
lastVerifiedAt
"2026-02-22T00:00:00.000Z"
source
builtin
trust_score
100
provenance_sha
92e3acd0bcb3ada9
Interactive Requirements Gathering
Structured framework for gathering requirements through interactive questionnaires. Based on the Conductor methodology's proven human-in-the-loop patterns.
When to Use
Setting up new projects
Defining product requirements
Gathering feature specifications
Onboarding users to new workflows
Any task requiring structured user input
Core Principles
1. Question Classification
Before asking ANY question, classify its type:
Type
Purpose
Phrasing
Example
Additive
Brainstorming, multiple answers valid
"Select all that apply"
"Which features do you need?"
Exclusive
Single choice required
No multi-select phrase
"Which framework should we use?"
2. Question Structure
All questions MUST follow this structure:
[Question text]
A) [Option A - often recommended, marked with "(Recommended)"]
B) [Option B]
C) [Option C]
D) Type your own answer
E) Auto-generate and continue
3. Sequential Questioning
CRITICAL: Ask ONE question at a time. Wait for response before next question.
CORRECT:
1. Ask Question 1
2. Wait for response
3. Confirm understanding
4. Ask Question 2
INCORRECT:
1. Ask Questions 1, 2, and 3 together
Questionnaire Workflow
Step 1: Introduction
Announce the section you're working on:
"I'll now help you define [section name]. I'll ask a few questions to understand your needs."
Step 2: Sequential Questions
For each question:
Classify: Is this Additive or Exclusive?
Formulate: Create clear question with options
Present: Show options in A/B/C/D/E format
Wait: Do NOT proceed without response
Confirm: Summarize understanding before continuing
Step 3: Handle Special Options
Option D (Type your own):
Accept user's custom input
Confirm the custom response
Continue to next question
Option E (Auto-generate):
Stop asking questions for this section
Use best judgment based on previous answers
Generate content and present for review
Step 4: Generate Content
CRITICAL: Use ONLY the user's selected answers as source of truth.
CORRECT:
- User selected "OAuth 2.0" -> Generate OAuth implementation details
INCORRECT:
- Include Option A, B, C text that wasn't selected
- Include question text in generated content
Step 5: User Confirmation Loop
After generating content:
"I've drafted [document name]. Please review:"
[Content preview]
What would you like to do?
A) Approve - proceed to next step
B) Suggest Changes - tell me what to modify
Please respond with A or B.
Loop until approved or user provides alternative direction.
Question Patterns
Product Vision Questions (Additive)
What are the primary goals of this product? (Select all that apply)
A) Improve user productivity
B) Reduce operational costs
C) Enhance customer experience
D) Type your own answer
E) Auto-generate and continue
Technology Selection Questions (Exclusive)
Which database should we use?
A) PostgreSQL (Recommended) - Best for relational data with complex queries
B) MongoDB - Document store for flexible schemas
C) SQLite - Lightweight for small applications
D) Type your own answer
E) Auto-generate and continue
Feature Scoping Questions (Additive)
Which authentication methods should be supported? (Select all that apply)
A) Email/Password
B) OAuth (Google, GitHub)
C) Magic Links
D) Type your own answer
E) Auto-generate and continue
Integration with AskUserQuestion Tool
When using the AskUserQuestion tool, map to this framework:
AskUserQuestion({
questions: [
{
header: 'Database',
question: 'Which database should we use?',
multiSelect: false, // Exclusive questionoptions: [
{ label: 'PostgreSQL (Recommended)', description: 'Best for relational data' },
{ label: 'MongoDB', description: 'Document store for flexible schemas' },
{ label: 'SQLite', description: 'Lightweight for small apps' },
],
},
],
});
AGENT: "I'll help you define the product vision. First question:"
"Who are the primary users of this product?"
A) Developers
B) Business users
C) End consumers
D) Type your own answer
E) Auto-generate and continue
USER: A, B
AGENT: "Got it - targeting developers and business users. Next question:"
"What problem does this product solve?"
A) Streamlines workflows
B) Reduces manual work
C) Improves collaboration
D) Type your own answer
E) Auto-generate and continue
USER: D - "Automates code review feedback"
AGENT: "Understood - the product automates code review feedback for developers and business users. Let me generate the product vision..."
Anti-Patterns
Do NOT
Ask multiple questions at once
Include unselected options in generated content
Skip confirmation steps
Assume answers without asking
Use technical jargon in options without explanation
Do
One question at a time
Clear, concise option descriptions
Summarize understanding frequently
Include escape hatches (D, E options)
Respect user's custom inputs
Iron Laws
ALWAYS ask exactly one question at a time and wait for a response before asking the next — presenting multiple questions simultaneously overwhelms users, produces ambiguous answers, and breaks the sequential state machine.
NEVER use unselected option text in generated content — generated output must be built from the user's actual selected answers, not from the full list of options presented.
ALWAYS classify each question as Additive (multi-select) or Exclusive (single choice) before asking — misclassification produces contradictory answers (user selects "B and D" when only one was valid).
NEVER skip the confirmation step after generating content — presenting content without approval ignores refinements the user needed; always loop until the user explicitly approves.
ALWAYS include a "Type your own" escape hatch option in every question — constrained option sets fail when the user's context doesn't fit any presented option; custom input prevents stalled workflows.
