Skill Spec Generator
Generate a set of skill specifications that independent skill creators can implement without coordination. Each spec must be self-contained; list-level context explains how specs relate.
Process
1. Analyze Input
Inputs vary. Identify what's provided and what needs discovery:
| Input Type | What to Extract |
|---|---|
| Domain description | Core workflows, tools, file types, pain points |
| Gap analysis | Existing coverage, missing capabilities, overlap risks |
| Pain points | Repetitive tasks, error-prone steps, knowledge gaps |
| Workflow description | Sequential steps, decision points, variations |
| Existing skills list | Patterns, naming conventions, granularity level |
Ask clarifying questions only for critical ambiguities. Prefer generating specs with stated assumptions over excessive back-and-forth.
2. Identify Skill Boundaries
Good skill boundaries:
- •Single responsibility: One clear purpose, describable in one sentence
- •Natural triggers: Obvious when to use it (file type, task verb, domain term)
- •Standalone value: Useful even if other skills don't exist
- •Composable: Can combine with other skills without overlap
Watch for:
- •Skills too broad (should be split)
- •Skills too narrow (should be merged or dropped)
- •Overlapping triggers (will confuse skill selection)
3. Generate Specifications
For each skill, produce a spec block:
## Skill: [name] **Description**: [Triggering description - what it does AND when to use it] **Rationale**: [Why this skill is needed, what problem it solves] **Example triggers**: - "[example user request 1]" - "[example user request 2]" **Expected components**: - scripts/: [what executable code, if any] - references/: [what documentation, if any] - assets/: [what templates/files, if any] **Complexity**: [Low/Medium/High] - [brief justification] **Dependencies**: [other skills from this list, or "None"] **Notes for implementer**: [any non-obvious considerations, edge cases, or implementation hints]
Adjust detail level based on context:
- •Spec-only request → focus on description, rationale, triggers
- •Implementation-ready request → include full component breakdown
- •Prioritization request → add effort estimates and dependencies
4. Provide List-Level Context
Wrap the specs with framing that helps skill creators understand the set:
# Skill Specification Set: [theme/domain] ## Overview [1-2 paragraphs: what domain this covers, why these skills were chosen, what workflows they enable] ## Coverage Map [How these skills relate: sequential workflow? parallel options? layered capabilities?] [Visual or textual representation of relationships] ## Priority Order [Recommended implementation sequence with rationale] ## Gaps and Future Work [What's intentionally excluded, what might be added later] --- [Individual skill specs follow]
Output Principles
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Self-contained specs: Each spec should give an implementer everything they need. Don't assume they'll read other specs.
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Consistent granularity: Skills in a set should be roughly similar in scope. Don't mix "process all documents" with "add page numbers".
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Clear triggers: The description field is the primary trigger mechanism. Make it specific enough to fire correctly, broad enough to catch variants.
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Honest complexity: Skill creators need accurate effort estimates. A "Low" skill that actually takes a week erodes trust.
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Explicit relationships: If skills depend on or complement each other, state it. Don't make implementers discover this.
Anti-Patterns
- •Kitchen sink skills: Trying to do too much. Split them.
- •Orphan skills: Skills that only make sense with others. Either merge or make standalone.
- •Vague triggers: "Use for document tasks" - too broad, will misfire.
- •Assumed context: "Works with the output of skill X" without explaining what that output is.
- •Scope creep notes: "Could also do X, Y, Z" - either include it or don't.