Task Classification
Overview
Task classification is the foundational skill that enables intelligent routing of user requests to the appropriate agent(s) within the multi-agent orchestration system. This skill analyzes incoming tasks to determine:
- Complexity Level: How many files, components, or systems are affected
- Risk Assessment: Potential for introducing bugs, regressions, or breaking changes
- Agent Assignment: Which specialized agent(s) should handle the task
- Verification Requirements: Whether automated testing and review are needed
When to Use This Skill
Apply task classification when:
- A new user request arrives that requires action
- The scope of work is unclear or potentially complex
- Multiple approaches could solve the same problem
- Determining if verification gates are required
- Delegating work to specialized agents
Key Principles
- Err on the side of caution: When uncertain, classify higher rather than lower
- Consider hidden complexity: Database migrations, API changes, and authentication have amplified risk
- Account for dependencies: Changes that affect shared code require broader verification
- Respect the verification mandate: Implementation and Complex tasks always require verification
Task Categories
Tasks are classified into five primary categories:
| Category | Files | Risk | Primary Agent | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trivial | 0-1 | Low | Direct | None |
| Exploratory | N/A | Low | Riko | None |
| Implementation | 2-5 | Medium | Loid | Alphonse |
| Complex | 5+ | High | Full orchestration | Alphonse + Lawliet |
| Research | N/A | Low | Riko + WebSearch | None |
Team Orchestration Eligibility
For Implementation and Complex tasks that decompose into 2-4 independent subtasks with exclusive file ownership, consider parallel team execution instead of sequential orchestration. Use the team-decision skill to analyze:
- Task independence (no shared files or dependencies)
- File ownership clarity (exclusive write access per teammate)
- Cost-benefit (time savings justify coordination overhead)
See team-decision skill for detailed criteria.
Trivial Tasks
Simple, low-risk tasks handled directly without agent delegation.
Examples: Answering code questions, single-line fixes, documentation comments
Indicators: "what", "why", "how" questions; localized changes; no logic changes
Exploratory Tasks
Read-only investigation focused on understanding code or gathering information.
Examples: Finding usages, tracing data flow, understanding architecture
Agent: Riko (Explorer) with Grep, Glob, Read tools
Implementation Tasks
Standard development tasks involving code changes across a moderate number of files.
Examples: New API endpoints, feature flags, bug fixes, refactoring functions
Agents: Loid (Executor) -> Alphonse (Verifier)
Complex Tasks
High-impact changes affecting multiple components, requiring full orchestration.
Examples: Major refactoring, security changes, database migrations, cross-service features
Agents: Riko -> Senku -> Loid -> Alphonse + Lawliet
Research Tasks
Information-gathering requiring external research or documentation lookup.
Examples: Best practices research, library evaluation, documentation lookup
Agent: Riko (Explorer) with WebSearch
Agent Quick Reference
| Agent | Role | Model | Key Tools |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riko | Explorer | Opus | Read, Grep, Glob, Bash*, WebSearch, WebFetch |
| Senku | Planner | Opus | Read, Grep, Glob, TodoWrite |
| Loid | Executor | Sonnet | Read, Write, Edit, Grep, Glob, Bash |
| Lawliet | Reviewer | Sonnet | Read, Grep, Glob, Bash |
| Alphonse | Verifier | Sonnet | Bash, Read, Grep |
- Riko's Bash access is limited to AST analysis tools only (ast-grep, tree-sitter, language parsers)
For detailed agent routing, see references/agent-selection-matrix.md.
Quick Classification Process
Three-Question Decision
- Is this read-only? -> Yes: Exploratory (Riko)
- How many files? -> 0-1: Trivial, 2-5: Implementation, 5+: Complex
- High-risk domain? -> Yes: Complex (regardless of file count)
Override Conditions
These conditions force Complex classification:
- Security-sensitive changes (authentication, authorization, encryption)
- Database migrations or schema changes
- Changes to payment or billing systems
- Multi-service coordination required
- Breaking API changes
For detailed classification steps, see references/classification-process.md.
Risk Amplifiers
| Domain | Risk Increase | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Authentication | Critical | Security breach potential |
| Database schema | Critical | Data loss, migration complexity |
| API contracts | High | Breaking changes for consumers |
| Shared utilities | Medium | Wide blast radius |
| Payment/billing | Critical | Financial impact |
| Configuration | Medium | Runtime behavior changes |
Verification Requirements
| Task Type | Type Check | Lint | Unit Tests | Integration | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trivial | - | - | - | - | - |
| Exploratory | - | - | - | - | - |
| Implementation | Required | Required | Required | Optional | Optional |
| Complex | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required |
| Research | - | - | - | - | - |
Keyword Indicators
| Keywords | Likely Classification |
|---|---|
| "what", "why", "how", "explain" | Trivial or Exploratory |
| "find", "search", "where", "trace" | Exploratory |
| "fix", "update", "add", "change" | Implementation |
| "refactor", "redesign", "migrate" | Complex |
| "research", "best practices", "compare" | Research |
| "all", "every", "entire", "across" | Complex (scope indicator) |
Additional Resources
Reference Files
- references/agent-selection-matrix.md - Detailed agent routing tables
- references/classification-process.md - Step-by-step classification
- references/decision-flowchart.md - Visual decision guides
- references/classification-best-practices.md - Best practices and pitfalls
- references/classification-heuristics.md - Edge case handling
- references/deep-dive-synthesis.md - Synthesis for /deep-dive command
Examples
- examples/classification-examples.md - Worked classification examples
Related Skills
- agent-behavior-constraints: Model routing, tool access, and behavioral guardrails
- verification-gates: Verification requirements and pass criteria
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