exploration-protocol

# Exploration Protocol A structured approach to explore features before production development. The goal is to learn, build acceptance criteria, experiment with verifiable prototypes, and codify learnings. ## Task Folder Structure ``` tasks/NNN-taskname/ ├── 01-objectives.md ├── 02-acceptance-criteria.md ├── 03-architecture.md ├── 04-verifiable-prototype.md ├── 05-verification.md ├── 06-outcome.md ├── 99-research/ └── 99-findings/ ``` ## Document Templates You MUST read the template files in `./references/001-example-task/` before scaffolding a task folder. These templates show the exact structure and format to use: - [01-objectives.md](./references/001-example-task/01-objectives.md) - [02-acceptance-criteria.md](./references/001-example-task/02-acceptance-criteria.md) - [03-architecture.md](./references/001-example-task/03-architecture.md) - [04-verifiable-prototype.md](./references/001-example-task/04-verifiable-prototype.md) - [05-verification.md](./references/001-example-task/05-verification.md) - [06-outcome.md](./references/001-example-task/06-outcome.md) ## Key Patterns ### Stub Markers For sections to be filled in later: ```markdown > Stub - to be filled in after objectives and acceptance criteria are approved. ``` ### Criteria Tables Always pair criteria with verification method: ```markdown | Criterion | Verification Method | |-----------|---------------------| | User can log in | Manual test: complete flow, see logged-in state | | API returns 401 on bad auth | `curl -H "Auth: bad"` shows 401 | ``` ### Checkpoint Lists For prototypes, use checkboxes: ```markdown **Checkpoint 1:** - [ ] Auth0 application configured - [ ] PKCE enabled ``` ### ASCII Diagrams Keep simple: ``` ┌─────────────┐ ┌─────────────┐ │ Popup │────▶│ Background │────▶ API └─────────────┘ └─────────────┘ ``` ## Phase Flow 1. **Objectives** → user reviews 2. **Acceptance Criteria** → user approves before work begins 3. **Architecture** → stub until criteria approved 4. **Prototype** → incremental with checkpoints 5. **Verification** → evidence for each criterion 6. **Outcome** → learnings and follow-on work