# Design Explore

> Explore 2-4 design options with pros/cons/criteria matrix before writing code. Use for L3-L4 tasks (refactors, architecture, new subsystems). Pairs with save_decision MCP tool. Use when this capability is needed.

- Skill: `tomevault-io/design-explore` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add tomevault-io/design-explore`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/tomevault-io/design-explore/raw
- Safety review: pending (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: AI & ML
- Author: tomevault-io (https://skillmd.com/u/tomevault-io)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/tomevault-io/design-explore

---


# design-explore

Use this skill when the user asks for "design", "architecture", "approach", "options", "trade-offs", "how should we do X", or when task classifier returns level >= 3.

## Workflow

1. **Discover prior art** — `memory_recall(query="<task keywords>", mode="index", limit=10)` + `analogize(query="<task description>", exclude_project=None)` — check if similar decision was made before.

2. **Generate 2-4 options** for the design space. For each option, fill:
   - **Core approach** (1 sentence)
   - **Implementation sketch** (3-5 lines)
   - **Pros** (3 bullets)
   - **Cons** (2-3 bullets)
   - **Unknowns** (what we don't yet know)

3. **Build criteria matrix** — list 3-5 criteria that matter (e.g. performance, maintainability, migration risk, team familiarity). Rate each option 1-5 per criterion.

4. **Pick one** with justification referring to matrix. Name what was **discarded** and why.

5. **Save** — `save_decision(title, options, criteria_matrix, selected, rationale, discarded, project)`.

6. **Only then** proceed to implementation — with a clear decision in memory for next session.

## Output template

```markdown
## Decision: {title}

### Prior art
{memory_recall/analogize results — 1-2 sentences}

### Options

#### 1. {option name}
- **Approach:** {1 sentence}
- **Implementation:** {sketch}
- **Pros:** {3 bullets}
- **Cons:** {3 bullets}
- **Unknowns:** {bullets}

#### 2. {option name}
... (same structure)

### Criteria matrix

| Criterion | Option 1 | Option 2 | ... |
|---|:-:|:-:|:-:|
| {criterion} | 5 | 3 | ... |

### Selected: {option name}

{rationale — 2-3 sentences referencing matrix}

### Discarded

- **{option name}**: {1-sentence reason}
```

## When NOT to use

- L1/L2 tasks (quick fixes, straightforward additions) — overkill, just do it.
- Single-option situations (no real trade-off).
- Implementation bugs (debug first, design later).

---
> Source: [vbcherepanov/total-agent-memory](https://github.com/vbcherepanov/total-agent-memory) — distributed by [TomeVault](https://tomevault.io).
<!-- tomevault:4.0:skill_md:2026-06-18 -->