Kanban State: Backlog

This skill guides agents through the Backlog state, covering Refinement, Breakdown, and Sizing.

Purpose

The Backlog is where tasks are prepared for execution. Raw ideas are transformed into actionable, sized, and tested specifications.

Triggers

• •A task is promoted from Icebox.
• •A new priority task is created.

Actions in this State (The "Breakdown" Loop)

1. •Clarify: Update description with specific goals.
2. •Define Done: Add an "Acceptance Criteria" checklist to the task body.
3. •Breakdown: If the task is large, split it into smaller tasks.
4. •Size: Assign a Fibonacci score (storyPoints) to the front matter.
   • •1: Trivial (typo, config tweak)
   • •2: Small (single function/test)
   • •3: Medium (component, known pattern)
   • •5: Large (complex, new pattern) - Maximum allowed for Todo
   • •8+: Too big - MUST SPLIT

Exit Criteria (Ready Gate)

• • Scored: storyPoints is set and is ≤ 5.
• • Clear: Acceptance criteria are explicit.
• • Context: Relevant docs/files are linked.

Allowed Transitions

• •-> Todo: When "Ready Gate" passed and capacity allows.
• •-> Icebox: If deprioritized.