Purpose
The design-synthesizer skill provides structured methods for integrating outputs from multiple parallel sub-agents into a cohesive design. It ensures consistency across architecture, library documentation, and dependencies while identifying and resolving conflicts or gaps.
When to Use
This skill auto-activates when you:
- •Integrate outputs from multiple parallel sub-agents
- •Synthesize architecture design with library documentation
- •Align dependencies with architectural requirements
- •Check consistency across design documents
- •Resolve conflicts between sub-agent outputs
- •Identify gaps or missing information in design
- •Prepare integrated design for PRP generation
Provided Capabilities
1. Output Integration
- •Load Multiple Documents: Read and parse outputs from all sub-agents
- •Extract Key Information: Identify critical design elements from each output
- •Cross-Reference: Link related elements across different outputs
- •Merge Content: Combine information into unified design
2. Consistency Checking
- •Architecture-Library Alignment: Verify architecture uses documented library features
- •Data Model Validation: Ensure data models match library APIs
- •API Contract Verification: Check API designs align with library patterns
- •Version Compatibility: Validate library versions match dependency analysis
- •Naming Consistency: Ensure consistent terminology across outputs
3. Conflict Resolution
- •Identify Mismatches: Find inconsistencies between sub-agent outputs
- •Version Conflicts: Resolve dependency version incompatibilities
- •Architecture Adjustments: Modify architecture to meet library constraints
- •Trade-off Analysis: Document compromises and decisions
- •Priority Resolution: Apply priority rules for conflicting requirements
4. Gap Identification
- •Missing Documentation: Flag undocumented library features
- •Incomplete Dependencies: Identify missing or unresolved dependencies
- •Architecture Gaps: Find components without implementation paths
- •Unresolved Issues: List conflicts or ambiguities requiring attention
5. Coherent Design Narrative
- •Unified Story: Create cohesive narrative across design elements
- •Traceability: Link design decisions to requirements
- •Rationale Documentation: Explain why specific approaches were chosen
- •Implementation Path: Define clear path from design to code
Usage Guide
Step 1: Load Sub-Agent Outputs
Read outputs from all 3 parallel sub-agents:
# Architecture Designer output
/docs/implementation/design/architecture-{issue-number}.md
# Documentation Researcher output
/docs/implementation/design/libraries-{issue-number}.md
# Dependency Manager output
/docs/implementation/design/dependencies-{issue-number}.md
Parse Each Output:
- •Architecture: Components, data models, API contracts, data flow, error handling
- •Libraries: Library versions, API references, code examples, integration patterns
- •Dependencies: Dependency tree, versions, compatibility, installation order
Step 2: Extract Key Information
Create structured summary of each output:
From Architecture Designer:
### Architecture Summary **Components**: - Component A: [Purpose and responsibilities] - Component B: [Purpose and responsibilities] **Data Models**: - Model X: [Fields, validations, relationships] - Model Y: [Fields, validations, relationships] **API Contracts**: - Endpoint 1: [Method, path, request/response] - Endpoint 2: [Method, path, request/response] **Data Flow**: - Flow 1: [Source → Transform → Destination] **Error Handling**: - Strategy: [Approach and patterns]
From Documentation Researcher:
### Library Documentation Summary **Library A (v1.2.3)**: - Purpose: [What it does] - Key APIs: [Main functions/classes] - Code Example: [Integration pattern] - Best Practices: [Recommended usage] **Library B (v2.0.0)**: - Purpose: [What it does] - Key APIs: [Main functions/classes] - Code Example: [Integration pattern] - Known Issues: [Caveats and workarounds]
From Dependency Manager:
### Dependency Summary
**Dependency Tree**:
├── library-a==1.2.3
│ ├── dep-x>=2.0
│ └── dep-y<3.0
└── library-b==2.0.0
└── dep-z~=1.5
**Conflicts**: [List of version conflicts]
**Resolution**: [How conflicts were resolved]
**Installation Order**: [Sequence of installation]
Step 3: Cross-Reference Design Elements
Map architecture components to libraries and dependencies:
Use synthesis-guide.md for detailed cross-referencing methodology.
Architecture → Libraries Mapping:
### Component A
- **Uses**: Library A (v1.2.3)
- **APIs**: Library A's `ClassX` and `FunctionY`
- **Pattern**: Documented in libraries-{issue-number}.md, section 2.3
- **Code Example**: [Link to example in library docs]
### Data Model X
- **Validation**: Uses Library A's `ValidationMixin`
- **Serialization**: Uses Library B's `Serializer`
- **Storage**: Requires dependency: `database-driver>=3.0`
Libraries → Dependencies Mapping:
### Library A (v1.2.3) - **Required Dependencies**: dep-x>=2.0, dep-y<3.0 - **Optional Dependencies**: dep-optional (for feature Z) - **Compatibility**: Python 3.9+ - **Conflicts**: None identified
Cross-Reference Matrix:
| Component | Library | Version | Dependencies | Documented |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Component A | Library A | 1.2.3 | dep-x, dep-y | ✅ |
| Component B | Library B | 2.0.0 | dep-z | ✅ |
| Data Model X | Library A | 1.2.3 | dep-x | ✅ |
Step 4: Check Consistency
Validate alignment across all outputs:
Architecture-Library Consistency:
- •✅ All architecture components reference documented libraries
- •✅ All library APIs used in architecture are documented
- •✅ All data models align with library expectations
- •✅ All API contracts follow library patterns
- •⚠️ Warning: Component C uses undocumented Library API (flag for review)
Library-Dependency Consistency:
- •✅ All libraries have resolved dependencies
- •✅ All dependency versions are compatible
- •✅ No circular dependencies detected
- •⚠️ Conflict: Library A requires dep-x>=2.0, but Library B requires dep-x<2.5 (resolved to 2.4.0)
Naming and Terminology Consistency:
- •✅ Component names consistent across documents
- •✅ Data model names match architecture diagrams
- •⚠️ Inconsistency: Architecture calls it "UserProfile", libraries call it "Profile" (standardize to "UserProfile")
Version Consistency:
- •✅ Library versions match dependency analysis
- •✅ All version constraints satisfied
- •⚠️ Note: Library C has newer version (3.0.0) available, but using 2.8.5 for stability
Step 5: Resolve Conflicts
Use synthesis-guide.md conflict resolution strategies:
Conflict Type 1: Version Incompatibility
**Conflict**: Library A requires dep-x>=2.0, Library B requires dep-x<2.5 **Analysis**: Both constraints can be satisfied with dep-x==2.4.0 **Resolution**: Pin dep-x to 2.4.0 in requirements **Trade-off**: Cannot use dep-x 2.5+ features until Library B updates **Risk**: Low - 2.4.0 is stable and well-tested
Conflict Type 2: Architecture-Library Mismatch
**Conflict**: Architecture designs async API, but Library C only supports sync **Analysis**: Need to wrap Library C with async adapter or redesign **Options**: 1. Use asyncio.to_thread() to wrap Library C (simpler, slight overhead) 2. Replace Library C with async alternative (more work, better performance) **Resolution**: Use asyncio.to_thread() wrapper (priority: speed of implementation) **Trade-off**: 5-10% performance overhead vs. 2-3 days rewrite **Mitigation**: Profile performance, optimize if needed
Conflict Type 3: Missing Documentation
**Conflict**: Architecture uses Library D feature, but no documentation found **Analysis**: Feature exists in Library D source code but undocumented **Resolution**: 1. Add note in PRP about undocumented feature 2. Include code example from Library D source 3. Flag for testing during implementation **Risk**: Medium - undocumented features may change without notice **Mitigation**: Pin Library D version, add comprehensive tests
Step 6: Identify Gaps
Document missing information or unresolved issues:
Gap Analysis:
### Missing Documentation - Library E's `advanced_feature()` used in architecture but not documented - Library F's error handling patterns unclear from documentation ### Incomplete Dependencies - Component G requires database driver, but version not specified - Testing framework not included in dependency analysis ### Architecture Gaps - Component H has no implementation path (needs design detail) - Error handling for API endpoint 3 not specified ### Unresolved Ambiguities - Data Model Z validation rules conflict with Library requirements - Performance target not specified for async operations
Step 7: Create Cohesive Design Narrative
Synthesize all information into unified design:
Use design-patterns.md for common patterns and structures.
Synthesized Design Structure:
## Synthesized Design
### Overview
[High-level description of integrated design]
### Component Architecture
[Unified component diagram with library annotations]
**Component A** (uses Library A v1.2.3)
- **Responsibilities**: [What it does]
- **Implementation**: Uses `Library A.ClassX` for [purpose]
- **Dependencies**: dep-x>=2.0, dep-y<3.0
- **Integration**: [How it connects to other components]
**Component B** (uses Library B v2.0.0)
- **Responsibilities**: [What it does]
- **Implementation**: Uses `Library B.ServiceY` for [purpose]
- **Dependencies**: dep-z~=1.5
- **Integration**: [How it connects to other components]
### Data Models (Pydantic Schemas)
**UserProfile Model**
```python
from library_a import ValidationMixin
from pydantic import BaseModel
class UserProfile(BaseModel, ValidationMixin):
id: int
name: str
email: EmailStr # From library_a
# ... fields with library-specific validations
API Contracts
Endpoint 1: POST /api/users
- •Implementation: Uses Library A's
create_user()method - •Request: UserProfile schema
- •Response: UserProfile with generated ID
- •Error Handling: Library A's exceptions mapped to HTTP status codes
Library Integration Strategy
Library A (v1.2.3): User management and validation
- •Integration Point: Component A, Data Model UserProfile
- •Code Pattern: [Example from documentation]
- •Error Handling: Catch
LibraryAException, return 400/500
Library B (v2.0.0): Background task processing
- •Integration Point: Component B
- •Code Pattern: [Example from documentation]
- •Configuration: [Settings required]
Dependency Resolution
Final Dependency Tree:
library-a==1.2.3 ├── dep-x==2.4.0 # Pinned to resolve conflict ├── dep-y==2.8.0 library-b==2.0.0 ├── dep-z==1.5.3 └── dep-x==2.4.0 # Shared with library-a
Installation Commands:
pip install library-a==1.2.3 pip install library-b==2.0.0 pip install -r requirements.txt
Implementation Path
Phase 1: Foundation
- •Install dependencies (in order above)
- •Create data models with Library A validations
- •Set up Library B configuration
Phase 2: Core Components
- •Implement Component A using Library A patterns
- •Implement Component B using Library B patterns
- •Test components independently
Phase 3: Integration
- •Connect Component A → Component B
- •Implement error handling across components
- •Integration testing
Phase 4: Validation
- •Unit tests for each component
- •Integration tests for component interactions
- •Performance testing
Design Decisions
Decision 1: Async Wrapper for Library C
- •Rationale: Library C only supports sync, but architecture requires async
- •Approach: Use asyncio.to_thread() wrapper
- •Trade-off: 5-10% performance overhead vs. 2-3 days to rewrite with async library
- •Risk: Low - overhead is acceptable for current scale
Decision 2: Pin dep-x to 2.4.0
- •Rationale: Resolve version conflict between Library A and Library B
- •Approach: Pin to highest compatible version (2.4.0)
- •Trade-off: Cannot use dep-x 2.5+ features until Library B updates
- •Risk: Low - 2.4.0 is stable
Identified Issues
Issue 1: Undocumented Library D Feature
- •Description: Architecture uses Library D's
advanced_feature(), but not in docs - •Impact: Medium - feature may change without notice
- •Mitigation: Pin Library D version, add comprehensive tests, monitor for updates
Issue 2: Component H Implementation Gap
- •Description: Component H responsibilities defined, but implementation approach unclear
- •Impact: High - blocks implementation
- •Action Required: Architecture Designer needs to provide implementation details
Gaps Requiring Attention
- • Resolve Component H implementation approach
- • Verify Library D's
advanced_feature()API stability - • Specify database driver version for Component G
- • Clarify performance targets for async operations
- • Add testing framework to dependency analysis
### Step 8: Validate Synthesis Quality Quality checklist: **Completeness**: - ✅ All architecture components mapped to libraries - ✅ All libraries mapped to dependencies - ✅ All data models have implementation details - ✅ All API contracts have library integration notes - ⚠️ Component H needs more detail **Consistency**: - ✅ Terminology consistent across documents - ✅ Version numbers match everywhere - ✅ Component names standardized - ✅ Dependencies resolved without conflicts **Actionability**: - ✅ Implementation path is clear and specific - ✅ Installation commands provided - ✅ Code patterns documented - ⚠️ Some gaps flagged for resolution **Traceability**: - ✅ Design elements link to requirements - ✅ Library choices justified - ✅ Design decisions documented with rationale ## Best Practices ### 1. Start with Overview - Read all outputs completely before synthesis - Create summary of each output - Identify major themes and patterns ### 2. Map Systematically - Use structured templates for mapping - Create traceability matrices - Document every cross-reference ### 3. Validate Early - Check consistency as you integrate - Flag issues immediately - Don't ignore small discrepancies ### 4. Resolve Conflicts Transparently - Document all conflicts found - Explain resolution reasoning - Note trade-offs and risks ### 5. Identify All Gaps - Missing documentation - Incomplete specifications - Unresolved ambiguities - Assumptions that need validation ### 6. Create Unified Narrative - Tell coherent story from architecture → libraries → dependencies → implementation - Link every design element to requirements - Provide clear implementation path ## Resources ### synthesis-guide.md Comprehensive guide for synthesizing sub-agent outputs including: - Cross-referencing methodology - Consistency checking procedures - Conflict resolution strategies - Gap identification techniques - Quality validation criteria ### design-patterns.md Common design patterns and structures including: - Component integration patterns - Library usage patterns - Dependency management patterns - Error handling patterns - Testing patterns ## Example Usage ### Input (Sub-Agent Outputs) **Architecture Designer Output**: ```markdown ## Components - **UserService**: Handles user CRUD operations - **TaskQueue**: Manages background tasks ## Data Models - **User**: id, name, email, created_at - **Task**: id, task_type, status, payload ## APIs - POST /api/users: Create user - POST /api/tasks: Queue background task
Documentation Researcher Output:
## Libraries **SQLAlchemy (v2.0.0)**: ORM for database - User model: Use `declarative_base()` pattern - Example: [Code snippet] **Celery (v5.3.0)**: Background task queue - Task definition: Use `@app.task` decorator - Example: [Code snippet]
Dependency Manager Output:
## Dependencies sqlalchemy==2.0.0 ├── greenlet>=2.0 celery==5.3.0 ├── kombu>=5.3 └── billiard>=4.0 Conflict: greenlet version (resolved to 2.0.2)
Output (Synthesized Design)
## Synthesized Design
### Component Architecture
**UserService** (uses SQLAlchemy v2.0.0)
- **Implementation**: SQLAlchemy `declarative_base()` pattern
- **Dependencies**: sqlalchemy==2.0.0, greenlet==2.0.2
- **Data Model**: User class inherits from SQLAlchemy Base
**TaskQueue** (uses Celery v5.3.0)
- **Implementation**: Celery `@app.task` decorator
- **Dependencies**: celery==5.3.0, kombu>=5.3, billiard>=4.0
- **Integration**: Tasks defined in tasks.py, queued via TaskQueue service
### Data Models (SQLAlchemy + Pydantic)
```python
from sqlalchemy import declarative_base
from pydantic import BaseModel
Base = declarative_base()
class User(Base):
__tablename__ = 'users'
id: int
name: str
email: str # With SQLAlchemy validation
created_at: datetime
Library Integration
SQLAlchemy: Use declarative_base() for User model (documented pattern) Celery: Define tasks with @app.task, configure broker in settings
Dependencies (Resolved)
sqlalchemy==2.0.0 ├── greenlet==2.0.2 # Pinned to resolve conflict celery==5.3.0 ├── kombu>=5.3 └── billiard>=4.0
Installation:
pip install sqlalchemy==2.0.0 celery==5.3.0
Design Decisions
Decision: Pin greenlet to 2.0.2
- •Rationale: Resolve version conflict between SQLAlchemy and system
- •Risk: Low
## Integration This skill is used by: - **design-orchestrator** agent during Phase 2: Design & Planning - Activates automatically when orchestrator synthesizes sub-agent outputs - Provides unified design for PRP generation (prp-generator skill) --- **Version**: 2.0.0 **Auto-Activation**: Yes (when synthesizing sub-agent outputs) **Phase**: 2 (Design & Planning) **Created**: 2025-10-29