openspec-new-change

Start a new change using the experimental artifact-driven approach. **Input**: The user's request should include a change name (kebab-case) OR a description of what they want to build. **Steps** 1. **If no clear input provided, ask what they want to build** Use the **AskUserQuestion tool** (open-ended, no preset options) to ask: > "What change do you want to work on? Describe what you want to build or fix." From their description, derive a kebab-case name (e.g., "add user authentication" → `add-user-auth`). **IMPORTANT**: Do NOT proceed without understanding what the user wants to build. 2. **Determine the workflow schema** Use the default schema (omit `--schema`) unless the user explicitly requests a different workflow. **Use a different schema only if the user mentions:** - A specific schema name → use `--schema <name>` - "show workflows" or "what workflows" → run `openspec schemas --json` and let them choose **Otherwise**: Omit `--schema` to use the default. 3. **Create the change directory** ```bash openspec new change "<name>" ``` Add `--schema <name>` only if the user requested a specific workflow. This creates a scaffolded change at `openspec/changes/<name>/` with the selected schema. 4. **Show the artifact status** ```bash openspec status --change "<name>" ``` This shows which artifacts need to be created and which are ready (dependencies satisfied). 5. **Get instructions for the first artifact** The first artifact depends on the schema (e.g., `proposal` for spec-driven). Check the status output to find the first artifact with status "ready". ```bash openspec instructions <first-artifact-id> --change "<name>" ``` This outputs the template and context for creating the first artifact. 6. **STOP and wait for user direction** **Output** After completing the steps, summarize: - Change name and location - Schema/workflow being used and its artifact sequence - Current status (0/N artifacts complete) - The template for the first artifact - Prompt: "Ready to create the first artifact? Just describe what this change is about and I'll draft it, or ask me to continue." **Guardrails** - Do NOT create any artifacts yet - just show the instructions - Do NOT advance beyond showing the first artifact template - If the name is invalid (not kebab-case), ask for a valid name - If a change with that name already exists, suggest continuing that change instead - Pass --schema if using a non-default workflow --- > Converted and distributed by [TomeVault](https://tomevault.io/claim/alexey1312) — claim your Tome and manage your conversions. <!-- tomevault:4.0:skill_md:2026-04-11 -->