context-preservation

name	context-preservation
description	Generate structured handoff summaries between workflow phases. Use when transitioning between RQPIV phases.

Context Preservation Skill

Purpose

Maintain context continuity across phases and sessions.

When to Use

• Transitioning between RQPIV phases
• Handing off between sub-agents
• Pausing work for later resumption
• Creating progress reports

Templates

Phase Handoff

Reference: templates/handoff-template.md

Use when transitioning from one phase to another. Captures:

• Summary of completed work
• Key findings and decisions
• Artifacts created
• Recommendations for next phase

Progress Summary

Reference: templates/progress-summary.md

Use for tracking ongoing work:

• Completed tasks
• In-progress items
• Blocked items
• Next steps

Session Resume

Reference: templates/session-resume.md

Use when resuming interrupted work:

• Last known state
• Files to reload
• Continue point

Context Preservation Process

At Phase Start

1. Read previous phase handoff
2. Load relevant artifacts
3. Note key constraints/decisions
4. Begin phase work

During Phase

1. Update progress summary as work progresses
2. Document significant decisions
3. Note any blockers or issues

At Phase End

1. Create comprehensive handoff
2. List all artifacts created
3. Provide recommendations
4. Clear next actions

Artifact Naming Convention

{type}-{session}-{timestamp}.md

Examples:

• handoff-auth-feature-20251215.md
• progress-auth-feature-20251215-1430.md
• session-resume-auth-feature.md

Storage Locations

Artifact Type	Location
Handoffs	plans/sessions/{session}/
Progress	plans/sessions/{session}/
Resume	plans/sessions/{session}/

Best Practices

For Handoffs

• Be concise but complete
• Include file paths for referenced artifacts
• Highlight decisions that affect future phases
• Note any assumptions made

For Progress

• Update frequently (after each significant action)
• Be honest about blockers
• Include time context

For Resume

• Capture exact stopping point
• List files to re-read
• Include any temporary notes