skill-spec-generator

name

skill-spec-generator

description

Generate structured skill specifications for independent skill creators. Use when asked to ideate, brainstorm, or specify multiple skills for a domain, workflow, or problem space. Outputs self-contained specs with list-level context so each skill can be built independently. Triggers on requests like "what skills would help with X", "generate skill ideas for Y", "specify skills to cover Z workflow".

Skill Spec Generator

Generate a set of skill specifications that independent skill creators can implement without coordination. Each spec must be self-contained; list-level context explains how specs relate.

Process

1. Analyze Input

Inputs vary. Identify what's provided and what needs discovery:

Input Type	What to Extract
Domain description	Core workflows, tools, file types, pain points
Gap analysis	Existing coverage, missing capabilities, overlap risks
Pain points	Repetitive tasks, error-prone steps, knowledge gaps
Workflow description	Sequential steps, decision points, variations
Existing skills list	Patterns, naming conventions, granularity level

Ask clarifying questions only for critical ambiguities. Prefer generating specs with stated assumptions over excessive back-and-forth.

2. Identify Skill Boundaries

Good skill boundaries:

• Single responsibility: One clear purpose, describable in one sentence
• Natural triggers: Obvious when to use it (file type, task verb, domain term)
• Standalone value: Useful even if other skills don't exist
• Composable: Can combine with other skills without overlap

Watch for:

• Skills too broad (should be split)
• Skills too narrow (should be merged or dropped)
• Overlapping triggers (will confuse skill selection)

3. Generate Specifications

For each skill, produce a spec block:

## Skill: [name]

**Description**: [Triggering description - what it does AND when to use it]

**Rationale**: [Why this skill is needed, what problem it solves]

**Example triggers**:
- "[example user request 1]"
- "[example user request 2]"

**Expected components**:
- scripts/: [what executable code, if any]
- references/: [what documentation, if any]
- assets/: [what templates/files, if any]

**Complexity**: [Low/Medium/High] - [brief justification]

**Dependencies**: [other skills from this list, or "None"]

**Notes for implementer**: [any non-obvious considerations, edge cases, or implementation hints]

Adjust detail level based on context:

• Spec-only request → focus on description, rationale, triggers
• Implementation-ready request → include full component breakdown
• Prioritization request → add effort estimates and dependencies

4. Provide List-Level Context

Wrap the specs with framing that helps skill creators understand the set:

# Skill Specification Set: [theme/domain]

## Overview
[1-2 paragraphs: what domain this covers, why these skills were chosen, what workflows they enable]

## Coverage Map
[How these skills relate: sequential workflow? parallel options? layered capabilities?]
[Visual or textual representation of relationships]

## Priority Order
[Recommended implementation sequence with rationale]

## Gaps and Future Work
[What's intentionally excluded, what might be added later]

---

[Individual skill specs follow]

Output Principles

1. Self-contained specs: Each spec should give an implementer everything they need. Don't assume they'll read other specs.

2. Consistent granularity: Skills in a set should be roughly similar in scope. Don't mix "process all documents" with "add page numbers".

3. Clear triggers: The description field is the primary trigger mechanism. Make it specific enough to fire correctly, broad enough to catch variants.

4. Honest complexity: Skill creators need accurate effort estimates. A "Low" skill that actually takes a week erodes trust.

5. Explicit relationships: If skills depend on or complement each other, state it. Don't make implementers discover this.

Anti-Patterns

• Kitchen sink skills: Trying to do too much. Split them.
• Orphan skills: Skills that only make sense with others. Either merge or make standalone.
• Vague triggers: "Use for document tasks" - too broad, will misfire.
• Assumed context: "Works with the output of skill X" without explaining what that output is.
• Scope creep notes: "Could also do X, Y, Z" - either include it or don't.