ask-questions-if-underspecified

Ask 1–5 clarifying questions before acting on underspecified requests.

Updated Jan 17, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/heykvnzhao/dotfiles --skill ask-questions-if-underspecified-heykvnzhao
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: ask-questions-if-underspecified
Source: https://github.com/heykvnzhao/dotfiles/tree/main/skills/ask-questions-if-underspecified
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/heykvnzhao/dotfiles --skill ask-questions-if-underspecified-heykvnzhao

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Underspecified requests often lead to wrong work or scope creep. This skill helps teams clarify needs by prompting for the minimum must-have questions before taking action.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Asks 1–5 concise clarifying questions up front to resolve ambiguity without over-constraining the task.
  • Provides a compact decision path with sensible defaults and a fast-path response to keep momentum.
  • Pauses before acting until must-have answers arrive, with explicit guidance on proceeding only after confirmation.

Quick Start

Provide the must-have questions or reply defaults to proceed.

Frequently Asked Questions about ask-questions-if-underspecified

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I clarify underspecified requirements before starting a workflow?▼

To clarify underspecified requirements, you need to ask 1–5 concise must-have questions up front. This resolves ambiguity without over-constraining the task, pausing action until explicit confirmation is received to prevent wrong work.

What is the best way to handle ambiguous requests in decision-making?▼

Handling ambiguous requests involves pausing before acting and gathering essential clarifying questions first. By prompting for the minimum must-have answers, you prevent scope creep and ensure the workflow proceeds only after explicit confirmation.

Why does asking clarifying questions prevent scope creep?▼

Asking clarifying questions prevents scope creep by resolving multiple plausible interpretations before work begins. It pauses the workflow until must-have answers arrive, ensuring the team acts only on explicitly confirmed requirements.

Can I use sensible defaults to proceed if requirements are still underspecified?▼

Yes, you can use sensible defaults to proceed through a compact decision path. The workflow provides a fast-path response to maintain momentum, but still pauses to gather must-have answers before fully executing the task.

When do I need to pause a workflow for explicit confirmation?▼

You need to pause a workflow for explicit confirmation whenever requirements are ambiguous or multiple plausible interpretations exist. Pausing gathers the minimum must-have questions first, ensuring the task proceeds only after explicit confirmation.