Deep Triage

Deep Triage - Complexity Classification

When invoked, systematically assess the challenge's complexity level.

Classification Framework

QUICK (Skip to implementation)

• Bug fix with obvious cause
• Single-file change
• Clear, unambiguous requirements
• Existing pattern to follow
• < 30 minutes of work

Action: Skip planning, deliver concisely. Simple branch if git needed.

STANDARD (Full process, standard depth)

• Meaningful feature with some design decisions
• 2-5 files affected
• Some architectural considerations
• Tests needed
• 1-4 hours of work

Action: Full Deep process. Consider worktree for isolation.

DEEP (Full process with user checkpoints)

• Architectural or system-wide changes
• Ambiguous requirements needing clarification
• High-stakes (affects critical paths)
• Multiple valid approaches with significant tradeoffs
• Cross-cutting concerns

• 4 hours of work

Action: Full process with user validation at each phase transition. Worktree isolation required.

Triage Checklist

Answer these questions to classify:

1. Scope: How many files will change?

   • 1 file = QUICK
   • 2-5 files = STANDARD
   • 6+ files = DEEP

2. Ambiguity: Are requirements crystal clear?

   • Yes, obvious = QUICK
   • Mostly clear = STANDARD
   • Needs clarification = DEEP

3. Risk: What breaks if this goes wrong?

   • Nothing critical = QUICK
   • Feature degradation = STANDARD
   • System instability = DEEP

4. Approaches: How many valid solutions exist?

   • One obvious way = QUICK
   • 2-3 reasonable options = STANDARD
   • Many approaches with tradeoffs = DEEP

5. Patterns: Does existing code show the way?

   • Copy existing pattern = QUICK
   • Adapt existing pattern = STANDARD
   • Create new pattern = DEEP

Output Format

COMPLEXITY: [QUICK | STANDARD | DEEP]

Reasoning:
- Scope: [assessment]
- Ambiguity: [assessment]
- Risk: [assessment]
- Approaches: [assessment]
- Patterns: [assessment]

Recommended workflow:
- [Specific guidance based on classification]

When to Re-triage

If during implementation you discover:

• More files affected than expected → escalate
• Hidden complexity → escalate
• Simpler than thought → can de-escalate (but don't skip verification)

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