idea-to-pdd

Generate a deployable Program Design Doc from source files with validation.

1|2|Updated Apr 1, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/dimagi-internal/ace --skill idea-to-pdd-dimagi-internal
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: idea-to-pdd
Source: https://github.com/dimagi-internal/ace/tree/main/skills/idea-to-pdd
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/dimagi-internal/ace --skill idea-to-pdd-dimagi-internal

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Creating a valid, deployable Program Design Doc (PDD) for a Connect intervention from scattered source material is time-consuming and error-prone, with manual drafts often failing downstream build and evaluation checks due to missing specifications or unvalidated assumptions.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Source Synthesis: Automatically reads and synthesizes content from arbitrary input files (PDFs, docs, sheets, markdown notes) stored in the opportunity's inputs folder to build a complete PDD.
  • Stress-Test Validation: Runs a 5-question LLM-as-judge rubric to evaluate the PDD for executability, verifiability, measurability, stage-gate clarity, and resource realism, iterating automatically until the PDD passes all checks.
  • Audit Trail Logging: Emits a structured decisions log of all load-bearing defaults applied during PDD drafting, with automatic rendering to a human-readable Google Doc for team review and iteration.
  • Use Case: For a new Connect health intervention with source materials, research notes, and prior drafts in the opportunity's inputs folder, use this skill to generate a deployable, validated PDD that downstream build and deployment skills can use without additional rework.

Quick Start

Use the idea-to-pdd skill to generate a deployable, stress-tested Program Design Doc for your Connect intervention from the source materials in your opportunity's inputs folder.

Frequently Asked Questions about idea-to-pdd

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I generate a deployable program design doc from scattered intervention materials?▼

To generate a program design doc, this skill synthesizes arbitrary source files like PDFs, sheets, and markdown notes from your inputs folder into a complete, deployable PDD. It automatically structures the content to meet downstream build requirements.

What is the best way to log decisions made during PDD generation?▼

Logging decisions during PDD generation is handled automatically by emitting a structured decisions log of all load-bearing defaults applied during drafting. This log is rendered into a human-readable Google Doc for team review and audit trails.

Can I use arbitrary source files to build a Connect intervention PDD?▼

Yes, building a Connect intervention PDD from arbitrary source files is supported. The skill reads and synthesizes content from various inputs, including PDFs, docs, and sheets, stored in the opportunity's inputs folder.

Do I need prior drafts to create a valid Connect intervention program design doc?▼

You do not need formatted prior drafts to create a valid Connect intervention program design doc. The skill synthesizes raw research notes and scattered source materials directly from the inputs folder to produce a deployable specification.