spark-to-spec

A conversational validation framework for technical founders. This skill takes a raw product idea (the "spark") and challenges it through a 5-phase rigorous validation process, producing either a kill rationale or an engineering draft PRD (Product Requirement Document) viable for spec-driven frameworks.

Why spark-to-spec?

Spec-driven development (SDD) frameworks (like speckit) are powerful for building what you ask for, but they don't challenge what you are building. spark-to-spec fills this gap by:

• Challenging the Idea: Ensuring the solution is viable before a single line of spec is written.
• Validating the Pain: Confirming that the problem actually exists and is worth solving.
• Preparing the Input: It doesn't replace SDD; it prepares the clear, validated input they require to be effective.

Features

• 5-Phase Validation: Deconstruct, Extract, Viability Gate, Map, Prototype Brief, and MVP Spec.
• Socratic Grilling: Challenges assumptions and avoids optimism bias.
• Continuous Saving: Progress is saved to a .spark.md file after every turn.
• Auto-Update: Automatically checks for newer versions on npm.
• Framework Explanations: Explains external methodologies (The Mom Test, etc.) in plain language.
• Terse & Efficient: Designed for speed with concise, fragment-based communication.

Installation

Install globally via npm:

npm install -g spark-to-spec

The post-install script will automatically detect and install the skill for both Gemini CLI and Claude Code.

Usage

Once installed, invoke the skill within your AI agent:

In Gemini CLI

/spark-to-spec "My cool app idea"

In Claude Code

/spark-to-spec "My cool app idea"

If a .spark.md file already exists in your current directory, the skill will automatically resume from the last saved state.

5-Phase Framework

1. Phase 1: Deconstruct - Strip emotional bias and isolate hypotheses.
2. Phase 2: Extract - Simulate customer discovery and find behavioral evidence.
3. Viability Gate - Scored assessment on 6 dimensions.
4. Phase 3: Map - Align features to underserved needs.
5. Phase 4: Prototype Brief - Produce a tailored brief for your product type (Web, Mobile, CLI, API, etc.).
6. Phase 5: MVP Spec - Generate an engineering draft PRD.

License

MIT