pilot-debrief

name

pilot-debrief

description

Synthesize pilot observations into structured debrief reports and spec updates. Use this skill when: - A pilot has completed and you have observation notes, tickets, or feedback transcripts - You need to turn messy pilot data into actionable spec changes - You want to generate edge case user stories from field observations - You need negative acceptance criteria from pilot bugs - You want a structured debrief report for stakeholder communication

Pilot Debrief

Synthesize unstructured pilot data (observations, tickets, feedback transcripts) into a structured debrief report with spec change recommendations. Converts field findings into edge case stories, negative ACs, and design requirements.

Workflow

1. Gather pilot inputs — Read all available pilot data sources
2. Categorize findings — Sort into UX issues, bugs, feature requests, positive signals
3. Map to spec sections — Link each finding to the spec section it affects
4. Generate artifacts — Edge case stories, negative ACs, design requirements
5. Write debrief report — Structured report for stakeholders
6. Output spec change list — Specific edits to make to existing specs

Categorization Framework

1. UX Issues

Problems with how users interact with the product.

• Navigation confusion, unclear feedback, unexpected behavior
• Accessibility gaps, language/comprehension issues Maps to: Design sections (interaction patterns, states, accessibility)

2. Bugs

Things that broke or didn't work as specified.

• Crashes, data loss, wrong behavior, performance issues Maps to: Error States, NFRs

3. Feature Requests

Things users wished existed.

• Direct requests from users, observer inferences from user behavior Maps to: Scope (in-scope for next phase or out-of-scope), backlog

4. Positive Signals

Things that worked well — validates assumptions and celebrates wins.

• Engagement, comprehension, adoption signals Maps to: Success Metrics, Objectives

Synthesis Principles

Observation -> Edge Case User Story

Every unexpected user behavior becomes an edge case story.

Bug -> Negative Acceptance Criteria

Every pilot bug becomes a "must NOT" criterion on the relevant story.

UX Confusion -> Design Requirement

Every navigation/comprehension issue becomes an explicit interaction pattern.

Analytics Gap -> Metric Requirement

Missing data that would have been useful during the pilot.

Output Format

# Pilot Debrief Report

**Pilot:** {name}
**Dates:** {start} - {end}
**Location:** {location}
**Participants:** {count and types}
**Prepared:** {DD-MM-YYYY}

## 1. Executive Summary
{2-3 paragraphs: key findings, overall assessment, top 3 actions}

## 2. Pilot Goals vs Outcomes

| # | Goal | Success Criteria | Outcome | Status |
|---|------|-----------------|---------|--------|
| 1 | {goal} | {criteria} | {actual} | Pass/Partial/Fail |

## 3. Findings by Category

### 3.1 UX Issues ({count})
| # | Finding | Severity | Users Affected | Spec Section | Action |
|---|---------|----------|---------------|-------------|--------|

### 3.2 Bugs ({count})
| # | Finding | Ticket | Severity | Reproducible? | Action |
|---|---------|--------|----------|--------------|--------|

### 3.3 Feature Requests ({count})
| # | Finding | Requested By | Frequency | Recommendation |
|---|---------|-------------|-----------|----------------|

### 3.4 Positive Signals ({count})
| # | Finding | Evidence | Validates |
|---|---------|---------|-----------|

## 4. Generated Artifacts
### 4.1 New Edge Case Stories
### 4.2 New Negative Acceptance Criteria
### 4.3 Design Requirements Updates
### 4.4 New Metrics Required

## 5. Spec Change Recommendations
### Priority: Must Update Before Next Pilot
### Priority: Update Before Next Sprint
### Priority: Backlog

Rules

1. Every finding gets categorized — No finding should be left uncategorized
2. Every bug becomes an AC — Pilot bugs are the most valuable input for acceptance criteria
3. Quantify when possible — "3 out of 5 users" is better than "some users"
4. Quote users directly — Direct quotes add credibility and empathy
5. Don't speculate on fixes — The debrief identifies what needs to change, not how
6. Positive signals matter — Don't only report problems

Quality Checklist

• All findings categorized
• Every bug has a corresponding negative AC
• Quantified observations where possible
• Direct user quotes included
• Spec change recommendations prioritized
• Positive signals documented alongside issues