BMAD-METHOD/docs/explanation/architecture/four-phases.md

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---
title: "The Four Phases of BMad Method"
description: Understanding the four phases of the BMad Method
---
BMad Method uses a four-phase approach that adapts to project complexity while ensuring consistent quality.
## Phase Overview
| Phase | Name | Purpose | Required? |
|-------|------|---------|-----------|
| **Phase 1** | Analysis | Exploration and discovery | Optional |
| **Phase 2** | Planning | Requirements definition | Required |
| **Phase 3** | Solutioning | Technical design | Track-dependent |
| **Phase 4** | Implementation | Building the software | Required |
## Phase 1: Analysis (Optional)
Exploration and discovery workflows that help validate ideas and understand markets before planning.
**Workflows:**
- `brainstorm-project` - Solution exploration
- `research` - Market/technical/competitive research
- `product-brief` - Strategic vision capture
**When to use:**
- Starting new projects
- Exploring opportunities
- Validating market fit
**When to skip:**
- Clear requirements
- Well-defined features
- Continuing existing work
## Phase 2: Planning (Required)
Requirements definition using the scale-adaptive system to match planning depth to project complexity.
**Workflows:**
- `prd` - Product Requirements Document (BMad Method/Enterprise)
- `tech-spec` - Technical specification (Quick Flow)
- `create-ux-design` - Optional UX specification
**Key principle:**
Define **what** to build and **why**. Leave **how** to Phase 3.
## Phase 3: Solutioning (Track-Dependent)
Technical architecture and design decisions that prevent agent conflicts during implementation.
**Workflows:**
- `architecture` - System design with ADRs
- `create-epics-and-stories` - Work breakdown (after architecture)
- `implementation-readiness` - Gate check
**Required for:**
- BMad Method (complex projects)
- Enterprise Method
**Skip for:**
- Quick Flow (simple changes)
**Key principle:**
Make technical decisions explicit so all agents implement consistently.
## Phase 4: Implementation (Required)
Iterative sprint-based development with story-centric workflow.
**Workflows:**
- `sprint-planning` - Initialize tracking
- `create-story` - Prepare stories
- `dev-story` - Implement with tests
- `code-review` - Quality assurance
- `retrospective` - Continuous improvement
:::tip[Key Principle]
One story at a time — complete each story's full lifecycle before starting the next.
:::
## Phase Flow by Track
### Quick Flow
```
Phase 2 (tech-spec) → Phase 4 (implement)
```
Skip Phases 1 and 3 for simple changes.
### BMad Method
```
Phase 1 (optional) → Phase 2 (PRD) → Phase 3 (architecture) → Phase 4 (implement)
```
Full methodology for complex projects.
### Enterprise
```
Phase 1 → Phase 2 (PRD) → Phase 3 (architecture + extended) → Phase 4 (implement)
```
Same as BMad Method with optional extended workflows.