spec-driven

Write a scoped spec with goals, non-goals, and acceptance criteria before implementation.

2|Updated Apr 10, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/t0lab/harness-kit --skill spec-driven-t0lab
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: spec-driven
Source: https://github.com/t0lab/harness-kit/tree/main/.agents/skills/spec-driven
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/t0lab/harness-kit --skill spec-driven-t0lab

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Prevents implementation from becoming the de facto specification for non-trivial work by insisting on a written, scoped specification before planning and execution. It reduces scope drift, unclear acceptance criteria, and accidental policy decisions encoded in code rather than documents.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Scope enforcement: Guides authors to declare explicit goals, non-goals, and acceptance criteria so reviewers and implementers share a single source of truth.
  • Spec hygiene: Recommends the minimal spec type (product spec, design doc, or both) and ensures the spec is executable by downstream planning agents.
  • Gate planning: Defines the required sequence: explore, write/update spec, align, plan, then implement — preventing premature implementation.
  • Use Case: When adding a user-facing feature or changing an API, use this skill to produce a product or design spec that reviewers can validate before work begins.

Quick Start

Use the spec-driven skill to write a concise product or design spec that states the problem, goals, non-goals, acceptance criteria, and the minimal solution sketch.

Frequently Asked Questions about spec-driven

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I prevent implementation from becoming the de facto specification for non-trivial changes?▼

To prevent implementation becoming the de facto specification, you must insist on a written, scoped specification before planning and execution. This reduces scope drift, unclear acceptance criteria, and accidental policy decisions encoded in code.

What should a product spec or design doc include to prevent scope drift?▼

A product spec or design doc should include the problem, goals, non-goals, acceptance criteria, and a minimal solution sketch. Declaring these explicitly ensures reviewers and implementers share a single source of truth.

How do I write acceptance criteria for API changes and multi-file refactoring workflows?▼

Write acceptance criteria for API changes by applying a spec-driven sequence: explore, write or update the spec, align, plan, then implement. This gating sequence defines required steps and prevents premature implementation.

When do I need a design doc versus a product spec for feature development?▼

You need a design doc versus a product spec based on the change type. Spec hygiene recommends the minimal spec type required—product spec, design doc, or both—ensuring the document is executable by downstream planning agents.

Does spec-driven planning work for multi-file workflows where goals may drift?▼

Spec-driven planning works for multi-file workflows by guiding authors to declare explicit goals, non-goals, and acceptance criteria. This scope enforcement ensures reviewers and implementers share a single source of truth.

Why does my feature development process have accidental policy decisions encoded in code?▼

Feature development has accidental policy decisions encoded in code when implementation becomes the de facto specification. Insisting on a written specification before planning and execution prevents these accidental policy decisions.