create-project_skill

Overview

This skill creates a new project structure and guides a collaborative, stepwise planning session until the project is ready for execution later. It enforces a strict workflow: run the generator script first, then fill three planning documents (overview.md, plan.md, steps.md) with Socratic and Devil's Advocate thinking and dependency research. Mandatory pauses require your confirmation after each document so decisions are deliberate.

How this skill works

Before starting, the skill checks user-config.yaml for onboarding flags and suggests a short tutorial if this is your first project and learn_projects is false. It detects workspace state (workspace setup vs project creation), offers project types, asks the project name, then runs scripts/init_project.py to create four directories and three planning files. After creation it loads each planning file in order, applies selected mental models (via the select_mental_models.py script), runs dependency research, prompts Socratic and risk-challenging questions, and pauses for your confirmation between steps.

When to use it

• Starting a new deliverable that needs a persistent, auditable plan
• Creating a structured project before separate execution sessions
• When you want guided thinking: Socratic questioning and pre-mortem risks
• If you need automated dependency discovery and links to existing systems
• When you require strict, reproducible project folder and file scaffolding

Best practices

• Run the suggested 8-minute tutorial first if this is your first project
• Choose the project type up front (Build, Research, Strategy, etc.)
• Always run the init script; do not create files manually
• Select 2–3 mental models from the offered list before filling plan.md
• Review and confirm each document at the mandatory pause points

Example use cases

• Create a Build project for a new feature with architecture and integration sections
• Start a Research project that needs dependency scans and stakeholder mapping
• Initiate a Strategy project where pre-mortem and first-principles models test assumptions
• Set up a Process project to document workflows and handoff steps for operations