PRD Quality Checklist

Print this page and check each box before you start coding

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Overview Section

• [ ] What: One sentence describing the project
• [ ] Who: Specific target user (not just "users")
• [ ] Why: Clear problem being solved

Core Features (MVP)

• [ ] 3-5 features maximum (no more!)
• [ ] Each feature is numbered
• [ ] Each feature includes command/usage example
• [ ] Features are specific (not "make it work")

Non-Goals (CRITICAL!)

• [ ] Listed at least 5 features you WON'T build
• [ ] Listed technologies you WON'T use
• [ ] Answered: "What might AI add that I don't want?"
• [ ] No vague terms ("nothing complicated" ❌)

Technical Constraints

• [ ] Language with specific version (e.g., "Python 3.11+")
• [ ] Framework specified (or "None / stdlib only")
• [ ] Dependencies listed (or "None")
• [ ] Data storage location specified
• [ ] Testing framework specified

Success Criteria

• [ ] Each criterion is testable
• [ ] No vague terms ("works well" ❌)
• [ ] Includes specific commands or checks
• [ ] Maps to Core Features

Implementation Phases

• [ ] 2-4 phases total
• [ ] Each phase has:
  • [ ] Goal: One sentence
  • [ ] Tasks: Numbered list
  • [ ] Verification: Copy-paste commands
  • [ ] Deliverables: Files created

Agent Rules

• [ ] Always column has 3+ items
• [ ] Ask First column has 2+ items
• [ ] Never column has 3+ items
• [ ] Includes "Never add features not in PRD"

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Final Check

Before sharing with AI:

• [ ] Re-read entire PRD — does it make sense?
• [ ] Ask: "What's missing that AI might assume?"
• [ ] Verification commands are copy-paste ready
• [ ] No TODOs or placeholders remaining

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Quick Reference

Good Non-Goals:

- User authentication
- Database (use JSON)
- Cloud sync
- Due dates/reminders
- External APIs

Good Agent Rules:

| Always | Ask First | Never |
| Validate input | Before schema change | External packages |
| Handle errors | Before new commands | Add features |
| Show help text | Before refactoring | Skip tests |

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