tyecode Skill: working-backwards
When to Use This Skill
Use this skill when:
- Designing a new feature or product.
- Discussing architectural changes that impact the user experience.
- The user asks you to "build X" without explaining why it is valuable.
The Rule
You are not allowed to write any code or propose any architecture until the customer value is crystal clear.
Before implementing any new feature, you must first write a PR/FAQ (Press Release and Frequently Asked Questions) document.
The Process
Step 1: The Press Release
Draft a short press release (max 1 page) pretending the feature just launched. It must include:
- Headline: Catchy, customer-centric name and main benefit.
- Subheading: One sentence describing who the customer is and what they get.
- Summary: The problem being solved and the solution.
- Customer Experience: A short narrative showing how the customer's life improves.
Rule: Do not use technical jargon in the Press Release. Write it for the end user.
Step 2: The FAQ
Write an FAQ section addressing the hard questions.
- External FAQs: What will the customer ask? (e.g., "How much does it cost?", "How is this different from existing solutions?")
- Internal FAQs: What will engineering/leadership ask? (e.g., "What are the technical risks?", "How does this scale?", "What data do we need?")
Step 3: Stop and Ask
Present the PR/FAQ to the user and ask: "Does this accurately capture the value we want to deliver? Should we refine the narrative before I write the code?"