patterns

# Pattern Identification Observe signals → classify patterns → validate with evidence → document findings. ## Steps 1. Collect signals from conversation, code, or data 2. Classify pattern type (workflow, orchestration, heuristic, anti-pattern) 3. Validate against evidence threshold (3+ instances, multiple contexts) 4. Document pattern with constraints and examples 5. If implementation needed, delegate by loading the `outfitter:codify` skill <when_to_use> - Recognizing recurring themes in work or data - Codifying best practices from experience - Extracting workflows from repeated success - Identifying anti-patterns from repeated failures - Building decision frameworks from observations NOT for: single occurrences, unvalidated hunches, premature abstraction </when_to_use> <signal_identification> Watch for these signal categories: | Category | Watch For | Indicates | |----------|-----------|-----------| | **Success** | Completion, positive feedback, repetition, efficiency | Pattern worth codifying | | **Frustration** | Backtracking, clarification loops, rework, confusion | Anti-pattern to document | | **Workflow** | Sequence consistency, decision points, quality gates | Process pattern | | **Orchestration** | Multi-component coordination, state management, routing | Coordination pattern | See [signal-types.md](references/signal-types.md) for detailed taxonomy. </signal_identification> <pattern_classification> Four primary pattern types: | Type | Characteristics | Use When | |------|-----------------|----------| | **Workflow** | Sequential stages, clear transitions, quality gates | Process has ordered steps | | **Orchestration** | Coordinates components, manages state, routes work | Multiple actors involved | | **Heuristic** | Condition → action mapping, context-sensitive | Repeated decisions | | **Anti-Pattern** | Common mistake, causes rework, has better alternative | Preventing failures | See [pattern-types.md](references/pattern-types.md) for templates and examples. </pattern_classification> <evidence_thresholds> ## Codification Criteria Don't codify after first occurrence. Require: - **3+ instances** — minimum repetition to establish pattern - **Multiple contexts** — works across different scenarios - **Clear boundaries** — know when to apply vs not apply - **Measurable benefit** — improves outcome compared to ad-hoc approach ## Quality Indicators | Strong Pattern | Weak Pattern | |----------------|--------------| | Consistent structure | Varies each use | | Transferable to others | Requires specific expertise | | Handles edge cases | Breaks on deviation | | Saves time/effort | Overhead exceeds value | </evidence_thresholds> <progressive_formalization> **Observation** (1-2 instances): - Note for future reference - "This worked well, watch for recurrence" **Hypothesis** (3+ instances): - Draft informal guideline - Test consciously in next case **Codification** (validated pattern): - Create formal documentation - Include examples and constraints **Refinement** (ongoing): - Update based on usage - Add edge cases </progressive_formalization> <workflow> Loop: Observe → Classify → Validate → Document 1. **Collect signals** — note successes, failures, recurring behaviors 2. **Classify pattern type** — workflow, orchestration, heuristic, anti-pattern 3. **Check evidence threshold** — 3+ instances? Multiple contexts? 4. **Extract quality criteria** — what makes it work? 5. **Document pattern** — name, when, what, why 6. **Test deliberately** — apply consciously, track variance 7. **Refine** — adjust based on feedback </workflow> <rules> ALWAYS: - Require 3+ instances before codifying - Validate across multiple contexts - Document both when to use AND when not to - Include concrete examples - Track pattern effectiveness over time NEVER: - Codify after single occurrence - Abstract without evidence - Ignore context-sensitivity - Skip validation step - Assume transferability without testing </rules> <references> - [signal-types.md](references/signal-types.md) — detailed signal taxonomy - [pattern-types.md](references/pattern-types.md) — pattern templates and examples **Identification vs Implementation**: - This skill (`patterns`) identifies and documents patterns - `codify` skill implements patterns as Claude Code components (skills, commands, hooks, agents) Use `patterns` to answer "what patterns exist?" Use `codify` to answer "how do I turn this into a reusable component?" </references>