| name | dev-workflow-planning |
| description | Structured development workflows using /brainstorm, /write-plan, and /execute-plan patterns. Transform ad-hoc conversations into systematic project execution with hypothesis-driven planning, incremental implementation, and progress tracking. |
Workflow Planning Skill — Quick Reference
This skill enables structured, systematic development workflows. Claude should apply these patterns when users need to break down complex projects, create implementation plans, or execute multi-step development tasks with clear checkpoints.
Inspired by: Obra Superpowers patterns for structured Claude Code workflows.
Quick Reference
| Command | Purpose | When to Use |
|---|
/brainstorm | Generate ideas and approaches | Starting new features, exploring solutions |
/write-plan | Create detailed implementation plan | Before coding, after requirements clarification |
/execute-plan | Implement plan step-by-step | When plan is approved, ready to code |
/checkpoint | Review progress, adjust plan | Mid-implementation, after major milestones |
/summarize | Capture learnings, document decisions | End of session, before context reset |
When to Use This Skill
Claude should invoke this skill when a user requests:
- Break down a complex feature into steps
- Create an implementation plan
- Brainstorm approaches to a problem
- Execute a multi-step development task
- Track progress on a project
- Review and adjust mid-implementation
The Three-Phase Workflow
Phase 1: Brainstorm
Purpose: Explore the problem space and generate potential solutions.
/brainstorm [topic or problem]
OUTPUT:
1. Problem Understanding
- What are we solving?
- Who is affected?
- What are the constraints?
2. Potential Approaches (3-5)
- Approach A: [description, pros, cons]
- Approach B: [description, pros, cons]
- Approach C: [description, pros, cons]
3. Questions to Resolve
- [List of unknowns needing clarification]
4. Recommended Approach
- [Selected approach with justification]
Phase 2: Write Plan
Purpose: Create a detailed, actionable implementation plan.
/write-plan [feature or task]
OUTPUT:
## Implementation Plan: [Feature Name]
### Goal
[Single sentence describing the outcome]
### Success Criteria
- [ ] Criterion 1
- [ ] Criterion 2
- [ ] Criterion 3
### Steps (with estimates)
#### Step 1: [Name] (~Xh)
- What: [specific actions]
- Files: [files to modify/create]
- Dependencies: [what must exist first]
- Verification: [how to confirm done]
#### Step 2: [Name] (~Xh)
...
### Risks & Mitigations
| Risk | Likelihood | Impact | Mitigation |
|------|-----------|--------|------------|
| Risk 1 | Medium | High | Plan B if... |
### Open Questions
- [Questions to resolve before starting]
Phase 3: Execute Plan
Purpose: Implement the plan systematically with checkpoints.
/execute-plan [plan reference]
EXECUTION PATTERN:
1. Load the plan
2. For each step:
a. Announce: "Starting Step X: [name]"
b. Execute actions
c. Verify completion
d. Report: "Step X complete. [brief summary]"
3. After completion:
a. Run all verification criteria
b. Report final status
Structured Patterns
Hypothesis-Driven Development
PATTERN: Test assumptions before committing
Before implementing:
1. State hypothesis: "If we [action], then [expected outcome]"
2. Define experiment: "To test this, we will [minimal test]"
3. Execute experiment
4. Evaluate: "Hypothesis confirmed/rejected because [evidence]"
5. Proceed or pivot based on result
Incremental Implementation
PATTERN: Build in verifiable increments
For complex features:
1. Identify smallest testable unit
2. Implement and verify
3. Expand scope incrementally
4. Verify at each expansion
5. Integrate and verify whole
Example:
Feature: User authentication
- Increment 1: Basic login form (no backend)
- Increment 2: API endpoint (hardcoded response)
- Increment 3: Database integration
- Increment 4: Session management
- Increment 5: Password reset flow
Progress Tracking
PATTERN: Maintain visible progress
After each action:
[X] Step 1: Create database schema
[X] Step 2: Implement API endpoints
[→] Step 3: Add frontend form (IN PROGRESS)
[ ] Step 4: Write tests
[ ] Step 5: Deploy to staging
Current: Step 3 of 5 (60% complete)
Blockers: None
Next: Complete form validation
Session Management
Starting a Session
/session-start [project context]
OUTPUT:
Session initialized.
- Project: [name]
- Goal: [today's objective]
- Context loaded: [files, previous decisions]
- Plan status: [steps remaining]
Ready to continue from: [last checkpoint]
Ending a Session
/summarize
OUTPUT:
## Session Summary
### Completed
- [List of completed items]
### In Progress
- [Current state of incomplete work]
### Decisions Made
- [Key decisions with rationale]
### Next Session
- [ ] [First task for next time]
- [ ] [Second task]
### Context to Preserve
[Critical information for continuity]
Decision Framework
When faced with choices:
1. State the decision clearly
2. List options (2-4)
3. For each option:
- Pros
- Cons
- Effort estimate
- Risk level
4. Recommendation with justification
5. Reversibility assessment
Example:
Decision: How to implement authentication?
| Option | Pros | Cons | Effort | Risk |
|--------|------|------|--------|------|
| JWT | Stateless, scalable | Token management | 2 days | Low |
| Sessions | Simple, secure | Server state | 1 day | Low |
| OAuth only | No passwords | External dependency | 3 days | Medium |
Recommendation: Sessions for MVP, plan JWT migration for scale.
Integration with Other Skills
With Testing Skill
/write-plan with TDD:
Step 1: Write failing test
Step 2: Implement minimal code
Step 3: Verify test passes
Step 4: Refactor
Step 5: Add edge case tests
With Architecture Skill
/brainstorm system design:
1. Requirements clarification
2. Component identification
3. Interface definition
4. Data flow mapping
5. Implementation plan
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