design

Generate an implementation-ready system design with architecture, directory structure, and interface contracts.

Updated May 24, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/RCSnyder/lights-out-swe-plugin --skill design-rcsnyder
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: design
Source: https://github.com/RCSnyder/lights-out-swe-plugin/tree/main/skills/design
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/RCSnyder/lights-out-swe-plugin --skill design-rcsnyder

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Converts a project scope and constraints into a concrete, audit-friendly design that a team can implement without guessing architecture, interfaces, or integrations.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Architecture and file-tree planning: Produces an explicit architecture overview and a specific directory structure to guide implementation.
  • Interface definition: Captures key data shapes and module boundaries so downstream phases can build and test against stable contracts.
  • Integration, testing, and failure handling: Documents external integrations with call patterns, failure behavior, and a declared test strategy (mock, recorded, or live).
  • Observability and review gate: Specifies logging/tracing expectations and includes a structured design review for robustness (house/skyscraper).

Quick Start

Use the design phase to read scaffolding/scope.md and generate scaffolding/design.md with architecture, directory structure, interfaces, integrations, and observability requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions about design

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I turn project scope into an implementation-ready system design?▼

To turn project scope into a system design, transform constraints and requirements into a concrete architecture with directory structure, interface contracts, and external integration details. This produces an audit-friendly design document ready for implementation.

What is the best way to document external integrations and failure behavior for software architecture?▼

Documenting external integrations and failure behavior requires specifying call patterns, failure handling, and a declared test strategy using mock, recorded, or live tests within your system design to ensure audit-oriented traceability.

How do I define interface contracts and module boundaries before building a software project?▼

Defining interface contracts involves capturing key data shapes and module boundaries in a structured design document, allowing downstream development phases to build and test against stable, implementation-ready contracts.

What should be included in a system design document for observability and error handling?▼

A system design document for observability and error handling should include logging and tracing expectations, complexity exceptions, open questions, and a structured review gate to verify architectural robustness.

Does generating a software architecture design require a pre-existing scope document?▼

Yes, generating a system architecture design requires reading an existing project scope document to transform defined constraints and boundaries into an actionable directory structure and interface contracts.

When do I need to specify a test strategy for external integrations in my system design?▼

You need to specify a test strategy for external integrations whenever your software project requires audit-oriented traceability before building, ensuring integration call patterns and failure behaviors are explicitly documented.