# Brief

> Write or update `brief.md` for shaping. Use when asked to create a project or feature brief, a 1-2 pager, or to turn rough inputs into goals, non-goals, scope, risks, and open questions.

- Skill: `marchatton/brief` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add marchatton/brief`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/marchatton/brief/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: marchatton (https://skillmd.com/u/marchatton)
- Updated: 2026-09-22
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/marchatton/brief

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# Brief

## Purpose

Start shaping with a concise `brief.md`.

## Inputs

- Problem, why now, evidence, success.
- Appetite/timebox + constraints.
- Goals + non-goals.
- In/out scope (perimeter).
- Key flows + links (breadboard, risks, spikes).
- Top risks + unknowns.
- Open questions.
- If missing, use `ask-questions-if-underspecified`.

## Workflow

1) Read any existing brief + inputs.
2) Ask questions to clarify using `ask-questions-if-underspecified` skill.
3) Draft `brief.md`.
4) Keep 1-2 pages. Link out instead of dumping details.
4) Ensure: problem alignment, goals/non-goals, perimeter, de-scope, risks/unknowns (<=10), open questions (<=10), shaping decision placeholder.
6) Return updated `brief.md`.

## Output

- `brief.md`