AutoGineer summary
Written by AutoGineer from the skill’s own files, not by the author
The RPI (Research, Design, and Implement) skill provides a systematic workflow for managing software development tasks. It guides users through a series of defined phases—from initial research and design discussions to PRD creation, technical design, and final implementation. By enforcing a consistent directory structure and documentation standard, it ensures that project context, design decisions, and implementation plans are clearly tracked and easily accessible throughout the development lifecycle.
What it does
- Facilitates structured research to define project requirements and technical constraints.
- Manages design discussions by presenting options, tradeoffs, and recommendations to the user.
- Generates standardized documentation for PRDs, TDDs, and implementation outlines.
- Maintains a task-specific directory for all workflow artifacts and supporting diagrams.
- Provides a clear path for iterative updates to existing design and requirement documents.
- Coordinates the transition between development phases with clear handoff instructions.
When to use it
- When starting a new software feature or complex technical change.
- When you need to document design decisions and architectural choices clearly.
- When you want to follow a repeatable, step-by-step process for software development.
- When you need to track the evolution of a task from research to implementation.
Advantages
- Ensures consistent documentation and project structure across different tasks.
- Promotes informed decision-making by presenting clear tradeoffs and recommendations.
- Keeps design and implementation plans synchronized with the codebase.
- Reduces ambiguity by requiring explicit user confirmation for design choices.
Usage examples
- “rpi”
- The agent initiates the RPI workflow, asks for the task description, and prompts the user to choose between research, design, or implementation phases.
- “rpi create-design-discussion”
- The agent begins the design discussion phase, analyzing existing research and codebase context to draft a design document with proposed architectural choices.
Install
Download the skill as a ZIP:
https://autogineer.com/agent-skills/humanlayer/rpi/downloadUnzip it into the cross-client skills folder of your project:
mkdir -p .agents/skills && unzip rpi.zip -d .agents/skills
Documentation by HumanLayer
Research, Design, and Implement
Help the user research a change, work through its design, and implement it. Follow their requested step, using the phase instructions below.
$SKILLBASE means the directory containing this SKILL.md.
<rpi-invocation> in templates means the host's skill command: $rpi in Codex, /rpi in Claude Code, or its plugin-qualified name when the host exposes one. Render next commands with that native invocation.
Choose the Step
Follow the user's requested step. Read $SKILLBASE/references/workflow.md when choosing or explaining a flow or what comes next.
For a task description with no requested step, start with research questions. Ask which flow the user wants: research followed by design discussion, PRD, or TDD, or research only. Wait for their choice before starting the phase, then carry it into suggested next commands.
When asking the user to choose a flow, read $SKILLBASE/references/workflow-choice.md and show its box-and-line chart with the question.
Create writes a new document; iterate updates an existing document in place using the user's feedback or resumes the workflow for a partially finished document.
Load the matching process from $SKILLBASE/references/<step>/process.md:
| Request | Step |
|---|---|
| Research questions | create-research-questions or iterate-research-questions |
| Research | create-research or iterate-research |
| Design discussion | create-design-discussion or iterate-design-discussion |
| Product requirements / PRD | create-prd or iterate-prd |
| Technical design / TDD | create-tdd or iterate-tdd |
| Implementation outline | create-structure-outline or iterate-structure-outline |
| Implement | implement-outline |
| Implementation feedback or fixes | iterate-implementation |
Update an existing document by default; create one when needed or requested. When several match, use the newest and name the chosen file.
Use the Task Directory
Use the directory supplied by the user.
Otherwise, look for existing task directories in .agents/artifacts/ whose names and workflow filenames match the request or current task branch. Reuse an obvious match without asking. If a directory looks close but could belong to a different task, or several directories look plausible, ask the user which to use before writing. Read only documents allowed by the selected phase when checking a match.
When no existing directory fits, use .agents/artifacts/<branch-name> with / replaced by - if the branch identifies the task. On main, or when no branch identifies the task, choose a short kebab-case slug from the request and use .agents/artifacts/<task-slug> without asking for approval. State the selected path and reuse or create the directory as needed.
Save at the selected path. If the sandbox blocks writes there, ask for scoped write access or a writable task directory and wait for the user's choice.
The RPI framework authors recommend not committing the artifacts.
Number new workflow documents using the next available NN- prefix in the task directory. Keep the existing path when updating a document. Save supporting mockups and diagrams beside the documents and link them as ordinary local files.
Workflow document frontmatter includes repos, a list of zero or more repositories with identifier and sha for each entry. Use repos: [] when none apply. Quote string values as needed for valid YAML.
Review the Document
After writing or updating a workflow document, read $SKILLBASE/references/prose.md and $SKILLBASE/references/show-me.md, then review the document against both. Make it shorter, more visual, and easier for a person to digest: cut words and sections that do not earn their place, replace dense prose with the smallest view that makes the point, and keep each visual beside the short text it supports.
Suggest the Next Step
Use the phase's handoff instructions and $SKILLBASE/references/workflow.md to choose what comes next. Users run each phase in a separate context window by default. When suggesting a next command, include the task directory and chosen flow. Say they can run it here, after compaction, or in a new session.
Use artifact filenames to locate the current phase when asked what's next, then read its document for unfinished work and settled choices. Recognize prd or product-requirements, tdd or tech-design, and structure-outline or outline.
Use Subagents
Use the bundled agent instructions for codebase-locator, codebase-analyzer, codebase-pattern-finder, web-search-researcher, and outline-implementer-agent as directed by each phase.
<important if="you do not have an Agent() or Task() or other tool for running subagents"> read the subagent instructions from $SKILLBASE/references/subagents/SUBAGENT_NAME.md </important>
<important if="you have a tool for running subagents or delegated sessions, but the named subagents are not available"> read the subagent instructions from $SKILLBASE/references/subagents/SUBAGENT_NAME.md and pass them into the subagent with your main prompt, with <instructions> REFERENCE_CONTENTS </instructions> <message> YOUR_MESSAGE ON WHAT TO LOOK FOR OR BUILD </message> </important>
Files
- ATTRIBUTION.mdAdded by AutoGineer847 B
- LICENSELicence file added by AutoGineer1.0 KiB
- SKILL.md5.2 KiB
- references/create-design-discussion/process.md4.0 KiB
- references/create-design-discussion/references/design_discussion_final_answer.md258 B
- references/create-design-discussion/references/design_discussion_final_answer_resolved.md461 B
- references/create-design-discussion/references/design_discussion_template.md1.0 KiB
- references/create-prd/process.md3.5 KiB
- references/create-prd/references/prd_final_answer_resolved.md438 B
- references/create-prd/references/prd_template.md853 B
- references/create-research-questions/process.md3.3 KiB
- references/create-research-questions/references/request_template.md312 B
- references/create-research-questions/references/research_questions_final_answer.md471 B
- references/create-research-questions/references/research_questions_template.md462 B
- references/create-research/process.md5.4 KiB
- references/create-research/references/research_final_answer.md651 B
- references/create-research/references/research_template.md1.6 KiB
- references/create-structure-outline/process.md3.2 KiB
- references/create-structure-outline/references/structure_outline_final_answer.md342 B
- references/create-structure-outline/references/structure_outline_template.md1.0 KiB
- references/create-tdd/process.md3.6 KiB
- references/create-tdd/references/tdd_final_answer_resolved.md451 B
- references/create-tdd/references/tdd_template.md776 B
- references/implement-outline/process.md2.9 KiB
- references/implement-outline/references/implement_outline_final_answer.md504 B
- references/iterate-design-discussion/process.md2.6 KiB
- references/iterate-design-discussion/references/design_discussion_final_answer.md258 B
- references/iterate-design-discussion/references/design_discussion_final_answer_resolved.md461 B
- references/iterate-design-discussion/references/design_discussion_template.md915 B
- references/iterate-implementation/process.md1.5 KiB
- references/iterate-implementation/references/iterate_implementation_final_answer.md382 B
- references/iterate-prd/process.md2.4 KiB
- references/iterate-prd/references/prd_final_answer_resolved.md438 B
- references/iterate-prd/references/prd_template.md853 B
- references/iterate-research-questions/process.md2.5 KiB
- references/iterate-research-questions/references/research_questions_final_answer.md473 B
- references/iterate-research-questions/references/research_questions_template.md462 B
- references/iterate-research/process.md4.4 KiB
- references/iterate-research/references/research_final_answer.md710 B
- references/iterate-research/references/research_template.md1.4 KiB
- references/iterate-structure-outline/process.md2.2 KiB
- references/iterate-structure-outline/references/structure_outline_final_answer.md344 B
- references/iterate-structure-outline/references/structure_outline_template.md1.0 KiB
- references/iterate-tdd/process.md2.7 KiB
- references/iterate-tdd/references/tdd_final_answer_resolved.md451 B
- references/iterate-tdd/references/tdd_template.md776 B
- references/prose.md1.5 KiB
- references/show-me.md3.2 KiB
- references/subagents/codebase-analyzer.md5.5 KiB
- references/subagents/codebase-locator.md4.7 KiB
- references/subagents/codebase-pattern-finder.md6.8 KiB
- references/subagents/outline-implementer-agent.md4.3 KiB
- references/subagents/web-search-researcher.md5.8 KiB
- references/workflow-choice.md2.5 KiB
- references/workflow.md3.7 KiB
references/create-design-discussion/process.md
Create a Design Discussion
Use the research and the user's request to discuss what should change and how the pieces will fit together. Keep design choices with the user.
Follow these steps in order.
1. Read the Context
Read the selected task directory's workflow documents and the user's named files in full in the main conversation. Use the completed research to understand current behavior and the request to understand the desired result. Read supporting mockups and diagrams as needed.
Carry settled choices forward from the user's latest instructions and later design documents. Use live code to verify current behavior. If the desired change is missing, ask what result the user wants before drafting the design.
2. Fill Research Gaps
When a choice depends on facts that the research has not established, use codebase-locator, codebase-analyzer, or codebase-pattern-finder to investigate. Use web-search-researcher for relevant external sources. Wait for the findings and verify the relevant code before presenting options. Fold new facts into the research document when one exists.
3. Read the Templates and Visual Guidance
Read $SKILLBASE/references/create-design-discussion/references/design_discussion_template.md and $SKILLBASE/references/show-me.md.
Use focused before-and-after diagrams, trees, contracts, or pseudocode to explain the current system, proposed result, and choices. Place each view beside the short explanation it supports.
Use diff blocks when the main point is what changes. Show the complete target shape when it makes ownership or order clearer.
4. Write the Initial Discussion
Write NN-design-discussion-<description>.md in the task directory using the next available number. Fill its repos entries with the relevant repository identifiers and SHAs, or use repos: [].
Describe the current experience, desired result, scope, proposed architecture, and existing patterns to follow. Include file locations and short examples of those patterns, along with the existing testing approach.
Describe the current and desired experience in terms of what users see and can do. Use the architecture and patterns sections for code structure, source references, and implementation examples.
Put choices awaiting the user's decision under Design Questions, each with options, tradeoffs, and a recommendation grounded in the codebase. Carry choices already settled by the user into Resolved Design Questions; otherwise begin that section empty.
Use section headers that state the main point so the reader can understand the proposed change by skimming them.
5. Work Through the Decisions
Run the interview in the main conversation. Present one decision at a time with its options and recommendation, then wait for the user's answer. Respond to clarifying questions until the choice is settled.
Once the user gives a clear decision, update the affected sections in place and move the choice to Resolved Design Questions. Record the chosen approach, rationale, and why the alternatives were set aside. Keep the prose and diagrams in step with the decision. Then present the next open choice.
For visual choices, save a focused HTML mockup or diagram beside the document and provide an ordinary local link. Match the project's visual conventions and use real labels.
6. Read the Appropriate Final-Answer Template
Offer to open the document for review in VS Code, Cursor, or the user's preferred editor or browser.
While choices remain open, read $SKILLBASE/references/create-design-discussion/references/design_discussion_final_answer.md and fill it with the document path and next question.
When the user has settled every design choice, read $SKILLBASE/references/create-design-discussion/references/design_discussion_final_answer_resolved.md. Use $SKILLBASE/references/workflow.md for the next command. Offer an outline or direct implementation.
For a requested early handoff, save agreed decisions and remaining open choices, then follow the requested step.
Requirements and compatibility
Works with: Claude Code, Claude apps, OpenAI Codex, GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Gemini CLI, Kiro, OpenCode, Goose, Amp, Roo Code, JetBrains Junie, Factory Droid, Devin (ex-Windsurf), Mistral Vibe, OpenHands, Letta
“Works with” means the tool reads the open Agent Skills format; a skill written for one tool may use features others lack.
Security
No issues found by our static scan· No issues found
A static scan is not a guarantee. Skills are third-party content: review a skill before you let an agent use it.
Attribution and licence
- Published by
- HumanLayer
- Publisher
- HumanLayer (Official)
- Source
- humanlayer/skills · plugins/rpi/skills/rpi · commit 4d69d20
- Licence
- MIT License (redistribution allowed)
- LICENSE (added by AutoGineer from LICENSE)
- ATTRIBUTION.md (written by AutoGineer)
- Synced
AutoGineer is not affiliated with or endorsed by HumanLayer or HumanLayer.
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Download ZIP
The ZIP holds the skill’s files, its licence files and an ATTRIBUTION.md. Download rpi.zip