bmad-method 6.0.0-alpha.4 → 6.0.0-alpha.6

package/src/modules/bmm/workflows/2-plan-workflows/prd/create-epics-and-stories/instructions.md

@@ -1,395 +1,169 @@
-# Epic and Story Decomposition - Bite-Sized Implementation Planning
+# Epic and Story Decomposition - Intent-Based Implementation Planning
 
 <critical>The workflow execution engine is governed by: {project-root}/bmad/core/tasks/workflow.xml</critical>
 <critical>You MUST have already loaded and processed: {installed_path}/workflow.yaml</critical>
-<critical>This workflow transforms requirements into BITE-SIZED STORIES for limited context agents</critical>
-<critical>EVERY story must be completable by a single limited context window dev agent in one session</critical>
-<critical>Communicate all responses in {communication_language} and adapt deeply to {user_skill_level}</critical>
+<critical>This workflow transforms requirements into BITE-SIZED STORIES for development agents</critical>
+<critical>EVERY story must be completable by a single dev agent in one focused session</critical>
+<critical>Communicate all responses in {communication_language} and adapt to {user_skill_level}</critical>
 <critical>Generate all documents in {document_output_language}</critical>
 <critical>LIVING DOCUMENT: Write to epics.md continuously as you work - never wait until the end</critical>
+<critical>Input documents specified in workflow.yaml input_file_patterns - workflow engine handles fuzzy matching, whole vs sharded document discovery automatically</critical>
 
 <workflow>
 
-<step n="0" goal="Load context and requirements">
-<action>Welcome the {user_name} to the project inception high level epic and story planning.
+<step n="1" goal="Load PRD and extract requirements">
+<action>Welcome {user_name} to epic and story planning
 
-Load required documents:
+Load required documents (fuzzy match, handle both whole and sharded):
 
-1. PRD.md (must exist - fuzzy match on name, might be a folder with an index and smaller sharded files also)
-2. domain-brief.md (if exists)
-3. product-brief.md (if exists)
+- PRD.md (required)
+- domain-brief.md (if exists)
+- product-brief.md (if exists)
 
 Extract from PRD:
 
-- Functional requirements
+- All functional requirements
 - Non-functional requirements
-- Domain considerations
-- Project type
-- MVP scope vs growth features
+- Domain considerations and compliance needs
+- Project type and complexity
+- MVP vs growth vs vision scope boundaries
 
-If continuing from PRD workflow:
-"Great! Now let's break down your requirements into actionable epics and bite-sized stories that development agents can implement independently."
+Understand the context:
 
-If starting fresh:
-"I'll help you transform your PRD into organized epics with implementable stories. Each story will be small enough for a single dev agent to complete in one session."</action>
-</step>
+- What makes this product special (the magic)
+- Technical constraints
+- User types and their goals
+- Success criteria</action>
+  </step>
 
-<step n="1" goal="Form epics from natural groupings">
-<action>Transform requirements into epics organically
+<step n="2" goal="Propose epic structure from natural groupings">
+<action>Analyze requirements and identify natural epic boundaries
 
-INTENT: Find natural boundaries that make sense for THIS product
+INTENT: Find organic groupings that make sense for THIS product
 
-Look at the requirements and find patterns:
+Look for natural patterns:
 
-- Features that work together
+- Features that work together cohesively
 - User journeys that connect
-- Technical systems that relate
-- Business capabilities that group
-- Domain requirements that cluster (compliance, validation, etc.)
-
-Examples of natural epic formation:
+- Business capabilities that cluster
+- Domain requirements that relate (compliance, validation, security)
+- Technical systems that should be built together
 
-- Auth features → "User Management" epic
-- Payment features → "Monetization" epic
-- Social features → "Community" epic
-- Admin features → "Administration" epic
-- Compliance requirements → "Regulatory Compliance" epic
-- API endpoints → "API Infrastructure" epic
+Name epics based on VALUE, not technical layers:
 
-But let the product guide you - don't force standard patterns
+- Good: "User Onboarding", "Content Discovery", "Compliance Framework"
+- Avoid: "Database Layer", "API Endpoints", "Frontend"
 
 Each epic should:
 
-- Have a clear business goal
+- Have clear business goal and user value
 - Be independently valuable
-- Contain 3-8 related features
-- Be completable in 1-2 sprints
-
-Name epics based on value, not technical components:
-GOOD: "User Onboarding", "Content Discovery", "Team Collaboration"
-NOT: "Database", "Frontend", "API"
-
-If domain considerations exist:
-
-- Create dedicated compliance/validation epics
-- Note special expertise needed per epic
-- Flag epics with regulatory dependencies
-
-Present epic groupings conversationally:
-"Based on your requirements, I see these natural epic groupings:
-
-1. [Epic Name] - [Brief description]
-2. [Epic Name] - [Brief description]
-3. [Epic Name] - [Brief description]
-
-Does this organization make sense for how you think about the product?"</action>
-
-<template-output>epics_structure</template-output>
-</step>
-
-<step n="2" goal="Decompose into bite-sized stories">
-<critical>Small vertical sliced small stories are best for agentic dumb developers to implement without forgetting things</critical>
-
-<action>Break each epic into small, implementable stories
-
-INTENT: Create stories that one dev agent can complete independently
-
-For each epic, decompose into stories that are:
-
-- Small enough for single context window
-- Clear enough for autonomous implementation
-- Independent enough to develop in parallel when possible
-- Specific enough to have clear acceptance criteria
-
-GOOD story examples:
-
-- "Create login API endpoint that accepts email/password and returns JWT"
-- "Build user profile component with avatar upload to S3"
-- "Add password reset email template and sending logic"
-- "Implement rate limiting on auth endpoints (5 attempts per minute)"
-- "Create HIPAA-compliant audit log for patient data access"
-- "Build FDA 21 CFR Part 11 electronic signature component"
-
-BAD story examples:
-
-- "Build complete authentication system" (too big)
-- "Handle user management" (too vague)
-- "Make it secure" (not specific)
-- "Integrate everything" (requires multiple contexts)
-
-Story format:
-"As a [user type], I want [specific feature], so that [clear value]"
-
-Technical notes to include:
-
-- Affected files/components if known
-- Required endpoints/methods
-- Data structures needed
-- Specific validation rules
-- Compliance requirements if applicable
-- Dependencies on other stories
-
-Domain-aware story creation:
-
-- For healthcare: Include specific regulations per story
-- For fintech: Note PCI/security requirements per story
-- For govtech: Flag accessibility needs per story
-- For aerospace: Include safety/validation requirements
-
-Check each story:
-
-- Can this be explained in <1000 words?
-- Can one agent complete without another's output?
-- Is the scope crystal clear?
-- Are success criteria obvious?
-- Are domain requirements specified?
-
-If too big → split into smaller stories
-If too vague → add specifics
-If dependent → note the dependency clearly
-If domain-critical → flag compliance needs</action>
-
-<template-output>epic_1_stories</template-output>
-<template-output>epic_2_stories</template-output>
-<template-output>epic_3_stories</template-output>
-
-<!-- Continue for each epic discovered -->
-</step>
-
-<step n="3" goal="Sequence for smart implementation">
-<action>Order stories for successful development
-
-INTENT: Create a logical flow that minimizes blockers and maximizes progress
-
-Consider dependencies:
-TECHNICAL:
-
-- Authentication before protected features
-- Data models before business logic
-- Core features before enhancements
-- API before frontend that uses it
-
-DOMAIN:
-
-- Compliance infrastructure before features
-- Validation framework before clinical features
-- Audit logging before financial transactions
-- Safety systems before operational features
+- Contain 3-8 related capabilities
+- Be deliverable in cohesive phase
 
-PRACTICAL:
+For greenfield projects:
 
-- What gives visible progress early?
-- What reduces risk soonest?
-- What enables parallel work?
-- What delivers value fastest?
+- First epic MUST establish foundation (project setup, core infrastructure, deployment pipeline)
+- Foundation enables all subsequent work
 
-Create implementation phases:
+For complex domains:
 
-Phase 1 - Foundation:
+- Consider dedicated compliance/regulatory epics
+- Group validation and safety requirements logically
+- Note expertise requirements
 
-- Core data models
-- Authentication/authorization
-- Basic infrastructure
-- Essential APIs
-- Compliance foundation (if domain requires)
+Present proposed epic structure showing:
 
-Phase 2 - Core Features:
+- Epic titles with clear value statements
+- High-level scope of each epic
+- Suggested sequencing
+- Why this grouping makes sense</action>
 
-- MVP functionality
-- Key user flows
-- Basic UI/UX
-- Critical integrations
-- Domain validations (if applicable)
-
-Phase 3 - Enhancement:
-
-- Polish and refinement
-- Additional features
-- Performance optimization
-- Extended functionality
-- Advanced compliance features
-
-Phase 4 - Growth:
-
-- Analytics and monitoring
-- Advanced features
-- Scaling preparations
-- Nice-to-have additions
-
-For complex domains, add gates:
-
-- "Gate: Security audit before payment processing"
-- "Gate: Clinical validation before patient features"
-- "Gate: Compliance review before launch"
-
-Present the sequencing conversationally:
-"Here's a smart implementation order:
-
-**Phase 1 (Foundation) - Week 1-2:**
-
-- Story 1.1: [Description]
-- Story 1.2: [Description] (can parallel with 1.1)
-- Story 1.3: [Description] (depends on 1.1)
-
-**Phase 2 (Core) - Week 3-4:**
-[Continue...]
-
-This gives you something working by [milestone] and allows [X] stories to run in parallel."</action>
-
-<template-output>implementation_sequence</template-output>
-<template-output>development_phases</template-output>
-<template-output>dependency_graph</template-output>
+<template-output>epics_summary</template-output>
+<invoke-task halt="true">{project-root}/bmad/core/tasks/adv-elicit.xml</invoke-task>
 </step>
 
-<step n="4" goal="Validate story sizing and clarity">
-<action>Review all stories for dev agent compatibility
-
-Run through each story and verify:
-
-SIZE CHECK:
-
-- Story description < 500 words
-- Clear inputs and outputs defined
-- Single responsibility principle
-- No hidden complexity
+<step n="3" goal="Decompose each epic into bite-sized stories" repeat="for-each-epic">
+<action>Break down Epic {{N}} into small, implementable stories
 
-CLARITY CHECK:
+INTENT: Create stories sized for single dev agent completion
 
-- Acceptance criteria explicit
-- Technical approach clear
-- No ambiguous requirements
-- Success measurable
+For each epic, generate:
 
-DEPENDENCY CHECK:
+- Epic title as `epic_title_{{N}}`
+- Epic goal/value as `epic_goal_{{N}}`
+- All stories as repeated pattern `story_title_{{N}}_{{M}}` for each story M
 
-- Dependencies documented
-- Can start with clear inputs
-- Outputs well-defined
-- Parallel opportunities noted
+CRITICAL for Epic 1 (Foundation):
 
-DOMAIN CHECK (if applicable):
+- Story 1.1 MUST be project setup/infrastructure initialization
+- Sets up: repo structure, build system, deployment pipeline basics, core dependencies
+- Creates foundation for all subsequent stories
+- Note: Architecture workflow will flesh out technical details
 
-- Compliance requirements stated
-- Validation criteria defined
-- Regulatory references included
-- Special expertise noted
+Each story should follow BDD-style acceptance criteria:
 
-If any issues found:
-"Story [X] seems too large. Let me split it:
+**Story Pattern:**
+As a [user type],
+I want [specific capability],
+So that [clear value/benefit].
 
-- [Smaller story 1]
-- [Smaller story 2]"
+**Acceptance Criteria using BDD:**
+Given [precondition or initial state]
+When [action or trigger]
+Then [expected outcome]
 
-"Story [Y] needs clarification on [aspect]. How should we handle [specific question]?"
-
-Final validation:
-"All stories are now sized for 200k context limits.
-
-- Total stories: [count]
-- Can run in parallel: [count]
-- Sequential dependencies: [count]
-- Estimated completion: [timeframe]"</action>
-
-<template-output>story_validation</template-output>
-</step>
+And [additional criteria as needed]
 
-<step n="5" goal="Create development guidance">
-<action>Add practical guidance for implementation teams
+**Prerequisites:** Only previous stories (never forward dependencies)
 
-Create quick reference for development:
+**Technical Notes:** Implementation guidance, affected components, compliance requirements
 
-GETTING STARTED:
-"Start with Phase 1 stories - multiple can run in parallel.
-Key files to create first: [list]
-Recommended agent allocation: [suggestion]"
+Ensure stories are:
 
-DOMAIN GUIDANCE (if applicable):
-"Critical compliance checkpoints:
-
-- After story [X]: Run [validation]
-- Before story [Y]: Review [regulation]
-- Throughout: Maintain [audit trail]"
-
-TECHNICAL NOTES:
-"Architecture decisions needed:
-
-- [Decision 1] affects stories [A, B, C]
-- [Decision 2] blocks story [D]
-
-Consider these patterns:
-
-- [Pattern] for [epic]
-- [Pattern] for [requirement]"
+- Vertically sliced (deliver complete functionality, not just one layer)
+- Sequentially ordered (logical progression, no forward dependencies)
+- Independently valuable when possible
+- Small enough for single-session completion
+- Clear enough for autonomous implementation
 
-RISK MITIGATION:
-"Watch out for:
+For each story in epic {{N}}, output variables following this pattern:
 
-- [Risk] in story [X]
-- [Complexity] in epic [Y]
-- [Dependency] between [A] and [B]"
+- story*title*{{N}}_1, story_title_{{N}}\_2, etc.
+- Each containing: user story, BDD acceptance criteria, prerequisites, technical notes</action>
 
-SUCCESS METRICS:
-"You'll know Phase 1 is complete when:
+<template-output>epic*title*{{N}}</template-output>
+<template-output>epic*goal*{{N}}</template-output>
 
-- [Measurable outcome]
-- [Testable feature]
-- [Validation passed]"</action>
+<action>For each story M in epic {{N}}, generate story content</action>
+<template-output>story*title*{{N}}\_{{M}}</template-output>
 
-<template-output>implementation_guidance</template-output>
+<invoke-task halt="true">{project-root}/bmad/core/tasks/adv-elicit.xml</invoke-task>
 </step>
 
-<step n="6" goal="Finalize and prepare handoff">
-<action>Complete the epics document and prepare for development
-
-Review what we've created:
-"We've successfully decomposed your requirements into:
-
-- [x] epics
-- [Y] total stories
-- [Z] phases of development
-
-Every story is sized for a single dev agent to complete independently."
-
-Highlight key achievements:
-
-- Stories respect 200k context limit
-- Dependencies clearly mapped
-- Domain requirements integrated
-- Parallel development enabled
-
-Save completed epics.md with:
-
-- Full epic descriptions
-- All stories with acceptance criteria
-- Implementation sequence
-- Development phases
-- Dependency notes
-- Domain compliance requirements (if applicable)</action>
-
-<output>**✅ Epic Decomposition Complete, {user_name}!**
-
-Your requirements are now organized into **{epic_count} epics** with **{story_count} bite-sized stories**.
-
-**Created:**
-
-- **epics.md** - Complete epic breakdown with implementable stories
-
-**Key Stats:**
+<step n="4" goal="Review and finalize epic breakdown">
+<action>Review the complete epic breakdown for quality and completeness
 
-- Average story size: Fits in 200k context
-- Parallel stories: {parallel_count} can run simultaneously
-- Sequential chains: {sequential_count} dependency chains
-- Estimated velocity: {velocity_estimate}
+Validate:
 
-**Next Steps:**
+- All functional requirements from PRD are covered by stories
+- Epic 1 establishes proper foundation
+- All stories are vertically sliced
+- No forward dependencies exist
+- Story sizing is appropriate for single-session completion
+- BDD acceptance criteria are clear and testable
+- Domain/compliance requirements are properly distributed
+- Sequencing enables incremental value delivery
 
-1. Review epics.md for the complete breakdown
-2. Start Phase 1 implementation with parallel stories
-3. Use story IDs for tracking progress
+Confirm with {user_name}:
 
-Each story is crafted for a single dev agent to complete autonomously. No monoliths, no confusion, just clear implementation paths.
+- Epic structure makes sense
+- Story breakdown is actionable
+- Dependencies are clear
+- BDD format provides clarity
+- Ready for architecture and implementation phases</action>
 
-Ready to begin development with any story marked "can start immediately"!</output>
+<template-output>epic_breakdown_summary</template-output>
 </step>
 
 </workflow>

package/src/modules/bmm/workflows/2-plan-workflows/prd/create-epics-and-stories/workflow.yaml

@@ -13,23 +13,35 @@ document_output_language: "{config_source}:document_output_language"
 user_skill_level: "{config_source}:user_skill_level"
 date: system-generated
 
-# Workflow components
+# Input requirements
+recommended_inputs:
+  - prd: "Product Requirements Document with FRs and NFRs"
+  - product_brief: "Product Brief with vision and goals (optional)"
+  - domain_brief: "Domain-specific requirements and context (optional)"
+
+# Smart input file references - handles both whole docs and sharded docs
+# Priority: Whole document first, then sharded version
+input_file_patterns:
+  prd:
+    whole: "{output_folder}/*prd*.md"
+    sharded: "{output_folder}/*prd*/index.md"
+
+  product_brief:
+    whole: "{output_folder}/*product*brief*.md"
+    sharded: "{output_folder}/*product*brief*/index.md"
+
+  domain_brief:
+    whole: "{output_folder}/*domain*brief*.md"
+    sharded: "{output_folder}/*domain*brief*/index.md"
+
+# Module path and component files
 installed_path: "{project-root}/bmad/bmm/workflows/2-plan-workflows/prd/create-epics-and-stories"
 instructions: "{installed_path}/instructions.md"
 template: "{installed_path}/epics-template.md"
 
-# Input files (from parent PRD workflow)
-prd_file: "{output_folder}/PRD.md"
-
-# Output files
+# Output configuration
 default_output_file: "{output_folder}/epics.md"
 
-# Optional input documents
-recommended_inputs:
-  - prd: "{output_folder}/PRD.md"
-  - product_brief: "{output_folder}/product-brief.md"
-  - domain_brief: "{output_folder}/domain-brief.md"
-
 standalone: true
 
 web_bundle: