spike

Run disposable feasibility experiments and document VALIDATED, PARTIAL, or INVALIDATED verdicts.

Updated May 26, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/ruiyangruiyi/hermes-agent --skill spike-ruiyangruiyi
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: spike
Source: https://github.com/ruiyangruiyi/hermes-agent/tree/main/skills/software-development/spike
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/ruiyangruiyi/hermes-agent --skill spike-ruiyangruiyi

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This Skill helps you de-risk product and engineering decisions by quickly testing whether an idea is feasible before investing in a full build.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Feasibility-first spike loop: Decompose an idea into 2–5 targeted questions, research just enough to choose an approach, build a minimal runnable prototype, then deliver a verdict.
  • Risk-ordered experimentation: Start with the most idea-killing unknowns, especially where unknown constraints would make a full build fail.
  • Comparison spikes: Run parallel alternatives (e.g., two PDF parsing approaches) and produce a head-to-head winner based on observable evidence.

Quick Start

Tell the agent what you want to prototype (for example: "Spike whether websocket streaming meets my <100ms chunk requirement for my client").

Frequently Asked Questions about spike

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I test if a software idea is feasible before committing to a full build?▼

A feasibility spike de-risks software ideas by decomposing them into 2-5 targeted questions, building minimal runnable prototypes, and delivering an evidence-based VALIDATED, PARTIAL, or INVALIDATED verdict before full investment.

What is the best way to compare two technical approaches for the same feature?▼

Run comparison spikes by building parallel minimal prototypes for each approach, then produce a head-to-head winner based on observable evidence from the interactive prototypes to determine the optimal architecture.

How do I structure feasibility testing questions for software planning?▼

Decompose your software planning idea into 2-5 targeted Given/When/Then feasibility questions, prioritizing the most idea-killing unknowns first to validate architecture constraints before building.

Can I use spike methodology for architecture validation and tool selection?▼

Yes, you can use spikes for architecture validation and tool selection by performing minimal research to choose an approach, building an observable interactive prototype, and documenting the outcome.

When should I not use a disposable prototype for software planning?▼

Avoid using disposable prototypes when your software planning questions are well-understood and lack unknown constraints, as the spike loop is designed specifically to de-risk high-uncertainty feasibility decisions.