Feature Outcome Definition

Feature Outcome Definition

Definition

Define the user-visible result this one feature must produce. Keep the outcome smaller than the whole app outcome and concrete enough to guide design decisions across every layer.

Questions To Ask

• What changes for the user when this feature works?
• Which app outcome or feature map item does this support?
• What must the user be able to do after this feature ships?
• What visible or testable signal proves success?
• What is not part of this feature outcome?

Existing Project Comparison

• Compare the requested feature with FEATURE_MAP.md, AGENT_GUARDRAILS.md, README, issues, routes, tests, and current UI.
• Identify whether the feature already exists, partially exists, or conflicts with current behavior.
• Flag any outcome that would force unrelated modules to change.

Suggestive Plan

1. Write a one-sentence feature outcome.
2. Link it to the app outcome or feature map.
3. Define success signals and non-goals.
4. Record assumptions and open questions.
5. Use the outcome to reject scope creep.

Example

• Weak: "Add appointment editing."
• Strong: "Receptionists can change a pending appointment request's preferred time window and see the updated request reflected in scheduling review."

Vocabulary

• Feature outcome: the useful result this feature creates.
• Success signal: observable evidence that the feature works.
• Non-goal: behavior intentionally excluded.
• Scope creep: extra work not required for the feature outcome.

Expected Outcome

Produce a feature outcome statement with success signals, non-goals, assumptions, and project links.