spears

Generates traceable EARS requirements and a three-document spec from user discovery sessions.

1|Updated May 22, 2013
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/scottopell/dotfiles --skill spears
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: spears
Source: https://github.com/scottopell/dotfiles/tree/main/home-dir-configs/claude/skills/spears
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/scottopell/dotfiles --skill spears

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

spEARS (Simple Project with EARS) provides Socratic discovery of user needs, EARS-formatted specification writing, implementation tracking, and spec validation -- all built on a strict three-document pattern (requirements.md, design.md, executive.md).

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Socratic discovery to surface user needs and define real problems worth solving.
  • EARS-formatted specification writing with a three-document structure (requirements.md, design.md, executive.md).
  • Traceability and governance checks to ensure specs stay self-contained and aligned to user outcomes.

Quick Start

Start a discovery session to surface user needs and generate the three-document spec with traceable EARS requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions about spears

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I write traceable feature specifications using EARS format?▼

EARS-formatted specification writing structures traceable requirements across a three-document pattern: requirements.md for needs, design.md for self-contained design traces, and executive.md for structured status across the spec lifecycle.

What is the three-document pattern for software spec writing?▼

The three-document pattern for spec writing divides project governance into requirements.md, design.md, and executive.md, ensuring self-contained design traces and structured executive status across the entire spec lifecycle.

How do I start a Socratic discovery session to define user needs?▼

Start a Socratic discovery session to define user needs by prompting the workflow to surface real problems worth solving, which then generates the foundational requirements needed for the three-document spec structure.

Does this spec writing approach support implementation tracking and validation?▼

Yes, this spec writing approach supports implementation tracking and validation by applying governance checks that ensure design traces stay self-contained and requirements remain aligned to user outcomes throughout the lifecycle.

What's the best way to maintain traceability between design and requirements?▼

The best way to maintain traceability between design and requirements is using a strict three-document pattern with EARS-formatted requirements, enforcing governance checks that keep design traces self-contained and aligned to validated user outcomes.

When should I not use a strict three-document spec lifecycle?▼

Avoid using a strict three-document spec lifecycle for rapid prototyping or informal brainstorming where heavy governance, EARS-formatted requirements, and structured executive status tracking would create unnecessary process overhead.