idea-os

An operating system for turning a raw idea into a build-ready plan. Takes a rough problem statement and produces four files: clarifying questions, deep research, a PRD, and a phased execution plan with platform/stack picks, a user-journey diagram, and kill criteria.

Overview

idea-os is a 5-phase sequential pipeline where each phase's output feeds the next — research shapes the PRD, PRD shapes the plan, plan's kill criteria tie back to research insights. Unlike single-command PRD generators, idea-os refuses to write a PRD until research is done, and refuses to write a plan until the PRD is stable. Depth and vocabulary adapt to a two-axis classification (complexity × builder sophistication) so a first-time builder isn't drowning in jargon and a founder gets full rigor.

Source: https://github.com/Slashworks-biz/idea-os — full skill, 11 reference files, 4 asset templates, and a 590-line worked example.

When to Use

• Use when a user shares a raw product idea or problem statement and wants a structured pipeline from clarifying questions through deep research, PRD, and a phased execution plan.
• Use when the user says "I have an idea for…", "help me build X", "validate and plan this concept", or "what should I build?" — and wants files they can take forward, not a one-shot answer.
• Use when a non-technical founder, PM, or hobbyist needs structure to bridge the gap between "idea" and "Monday morning's build queue".
• Do not use for quick sanity-check feedback on a half-formed idea (use idea-refine instead) or for editing an existing PRD (use product-management instead).

How It Works