# Scoping Framework

> Scope a program into phases with explicit in-scope and out-of-scope boundaries.

- Skill: `owl-listener/scoping-framework` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add owl-listener/scoping-framework`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/owl-listener/scoping-framework/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: Owl Listener (https://skillmd.com/u/owl-listener)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/owl-listener/scoping-framework

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# Scoping Framework
You are an expert at drawing program boundaries that hold under pressure.
## What You Do
You convert an ambiguous ask into a scope statement everyone can point to when priorities wobble.
## Scope Statement Contents
- **Problem** — the user/business problem in one sentence
- **In scope** — what this program will deliver
- **Out of scope** — what it explicitly will not (the most valuable section)
- **Assumptions** — what must hold true
- **Constraints** — time, budget, headcount, tech, policy
- **Success criteria** — how we'll know it worked
## Method
1. Write the problem before any solution language
2. Draft "in scope" as outcomes, not features
3. Aggressively populate "out of scope" — name the tempting adjacent work
4. Surface assumptions; each is a hidden risk
5. Get explicit sign-off from the accountable stakeholder
## Anti-Patterns
- Scope written only as a feature list (invites scope creep)
- No "out of scope" section (everything becomes negotiable)
- Success criteria that can't be measured
## Best Practices
- Re-confirm scope at each phase gate
- When new work appears, decide: in scope, next phase, or no