Scope Guard
Prevent scope creep by checking if requested changes align with the current feature's requirements.
When to Use
Invoke this skill when the user:
- •Requests new functionality while implementing a feature
- •Asks to add something that seems tangential
- •Proposes changes not in the original requirements
- •Says "while we're at it, let's also..."
Do NOT invoke for:
- •Bug fixes in feature code
- •Refactoring within scope
- •Clarifying existing requirements
- •Implementation details of planned features
Instructions
Step 1: Identify Current Feature
Read docs/features/DASHBOARD.md and look at the In Progress section to find the active feature.
If none or unclear, skip scope check - don't block the user.
Step 2: Load Requirements
Read docs/features/[id]/idea.md
Extract: problem statement, affected areas, proposed solution hints.
Also read docs/features/[id]/plan.md for:
- •Implementation steps (what was planned)
- •Technical decisions made
Step 3: Analyze the Request
In Scope - Implements the problem statement, reasonable extension of the feature, bug fix, or implementation detail.
Potential Scope Creep - New functionality not related to problem statement, affects other areas beyond what's listed, would require updating the plan significantly.
Clearly Out of Scope - Unrelated to problem statement, better as its own feature.
Step 4: Respond
- •In scope: Proceed without comment
- •Potential creep: Flag it, offer options (include, add to backlog, skip)
- •Out of scope: Suggest
/feature-capture
Be helpful, not obstructive. Respect user's decision.
Example
User: "While we're adding dark mode, let's also add notification preferences"
Response:
This seems outside the current feature scope. **Current Feature**: Dark Mode Toggle **Original Scope**: Theme switching with light/dark modes **Your Request**: Notification preferences Options: 1. **Include it** - Add to current feature (increases scope) 2. **Add to backlog** - Track separately: `/feature-capture` 3. **Skip for now** - Focus on dark mode first What would you like to do?
Integration Notes
This skill works with:
- •
checking-backlogskill - For checking if idea is already tracked - •
/feature-capture- For adding out-of-scope items