experiment-planning

name	experiment-planning
description	Use when an operator needs to convert a research objective into an executable plan with deliverables, checkpoints, dependencies, and validation criteria.

Experiment Planning

When to Use This Skill

Use this skill when the node needs to:

• turn a vague research goal into a concrete plan
• define inputs, outputs, metrics, and success criteria
• break work into stages for planner, coder, and reviewer nodes
• identify risky steps before execution begins
• decide what evidence is needed to claim success

Workflow

1. Rewrite the objective as a measurable question.
2. List required inputs, tools, datasets, and dependencies.
3. Break the task into stages with expected deliverables.
4. Add validation gates for each stage.
5. Mark high-risk assumptions and fallback paths.

Expected Outputs

• a staged execution plan
• a deliverable checklist
• a risk register
• validation checkpoints

Quality Rules

• plans should be executable, not aspirational
• every stage should produce an inspectable artifact
• note blockers early instead of hiding them in later steps
• define what counts as success before running the work