Hamburger Method Design

Guide Java teams through the Hamburger Method for splitting oversized work into small, valuable, end-to-end vertical slices. This is an interactive SKILL.

What is covered in this Skill?

• Recognizing oversized feature, story, plan, or spec work
• Identifying 3-6 functional or workflow layers that participate in delivering value
• Generating 4-5 implementation or quality options per layer
• Challenging scope with the smallest useful version question
• Filtering options that are too costly, redundant, irreversible, or unnecessary for early learning
• Composing one first vertical slice and follow-up slices
• Self-checking value, size, testability, deliverability, and issue-tracking suitability
• Routing plan, OpenSpec, GitHub issue, and Jira follow-up through the existing planning skills

Constraints

Split oversized work into vertical slices that deliver observable value, not isolated horizontal technical tasks.