the-algorithm

name	the-algorithm
description	Product-building operating system inspired by Elon Musk's five-step "The Algorithm" — question every requirement, delete nonessential work, simplify what remains, accelerate feedback loops, and automate last. Use this skill when shaping offers, features, onboarding, pricing, architecture, workflow, launch, or automation decisions. Tailored for founders, designers, operators, product engineers, and AI coding agents building real products.
metadata	{"author":"sailscastshq","version":"1.0.0","tags":"the-algorithm, product-strategy, mvp, scope, architecture, simplification, delivery, automation"}

The Algorithm

The Algorithm is a subtraction-first way to build products. Its value for builders is not the factory metaphor. It is the sequence:

1. prove the requirement
2. remove unnecessary work
3. simplify the surviving path
4. speed up learning and delivery
5. automate only after the flow is stable

In product and application work, this usually means resisting extra layers and extra surfaces:

• no extra API when one server-driven flow can do the job
• no client state system when the database and server-provided data are enough
• no queue, socket, cache, search service, or microservice until the product truly needs it
• no second or third pricing idea before the first one proves itself
• no AI automation over a workflow humans do not yet understand

When to Use

Use this skill when:

• shaping an MVP, offer, feature spec, onboarding flow, pricing flow, internal tool, or launch plan
• reviewing a bloated plan and deciding what to cut before implementation
• deciding how narrow the first version should be