Vard Align

VARD Align

Invoke as $vard-align.

Rapid alignment check for a VARD candidate. Validates whether the concept is worth shipping this week and produces a 1-page go/no-go alignment doc.

Process

1. Identify candidate: Read the most recent vard-scan output or $ARGUMENTS for the concept to evaluate.
2. Light interview (1-3 questions): Ask only what's needed to resolve ambiguity:
   • Target audience or distribution channel unclear?
   • Technical feasibility question?
   • Scope creep risk?
3. Check dimensions:
   • Feasibility: Can this ship in 1-3 days with available tech? Any blockers?
   • Novelty: Does a good-enough version already exist? What's the differentiation?
   • Distribution fit: Is there a clear, free or cheap channel to reach users?
   • Timing: Is this time-sensitive? Will the window close?
   • Downside: What's the worst case if it flops? (Should be: "we lost 2 days")
4. Verdict: GO or NO-GO with one-line rationale.
5. If GO: Produce a 1-page alignment doc:
   • Concept (2-3 sentences)
   • Target user
   • Core feature (the one thing it does)
   • Tech stack recommendation
   • Ship deadline (date)
   • Success metric (what "traction" means for this experiment)
   • Distribution plan (launch day channels)

Output

Write alignment doc to alignment/vard-<slug>.md if GO. End with:

**Verdict:** GO / NO-GO
**Next work:** <build the app / scan for another candidate>
**Recommended next command:** $vard-ship / $vard-scan

Constraints

• Do not begin implementation.
• Keep the alignment doc to 1 page — resist scope creep.
• If the candidate came from vard-scan, reference it; don't re-research from scratch.
• Do not run expensive external research. Quick web searches are fine.

Default Shipping Contract

Follow the shared shipping contract convention.