BMAD-METHOD/docs/quick-start-guides/bmad-method-quickstart.md

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BMAD Method: 5-Minute Quick Start Guide

Welcome to the BMAD Method! This guide will get you up and running in just 5 minutes, allowing you to leverage the power of our specialized AI personas for your development workflow.

What is the BMAD Method?

The BMAD Method is a methodology framework that structures AI-assisted software development using specialized personas, standardized workflows, and quality-driven processes. It's not a software application - it's a systematic approach to working with AI that ensures consistent, high-quality results.

Key Components

  • Personas: Specialized AI roles (PM, Architect, Developer, etc.)
  • Tasks: Structured workflows for common development activities
  • Templates: Standardized formats for deliverables
  • Checklists: Quality validation frameworks

Quick Setup (2 minutes)

Step 1: Get the BMAD Method Files

# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/bmadcode/BMAD-METHOD.git

# Navigate to the project directory
cd BMAD-METHOD

Step 2: Choose Your Environment

  • Web Environment: Use with ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or other web-based AI platforms
  • IDE Environment: Use with Cursor AI, VS Code, JetBrains IDEs, or other development environments

Step 3: Understand the File Structure

bmad-agent/
 personas/          # AI persona definitions
 tasks/            # Structured task workflows
 templates/        # Document templates
 checklists/       # Quality validation checklists

Your First BMAD Session (3 minutes)

Example: Creating a User Authentication Feature

Let's walk through a complete example using multiple BMAD personas:

Step 1: Define Requirements with John (Product Manager)

Load John (Product Manager) from bmad-agent/personas/pm.md

I need to define requirements for a user authentication feature. 
The system should allow users to register, log in, and recover passwords.
Use the PRD template and follow PM quality standards.

Expected Output: Structured PRD with user needs, market analysis, feature requirements, and success metrics.

Step 2: Design Architecture with Fred (System Architect)

Load Fred (System Architect) from bmad-agent/personas/architect.md

Based on these requirements: [paste PRD summary]
Design a secure authentication system architecture.
Use the architecture template and follow security best practices.

Expected Output: Comprehensive architecture design with components, data flow, security considerations, and technical specifications.

Step 3: Create User Stories with Sarah (Product Owner)

Load Sarah (Product Owner) from bmad-agent/personas/po.md

Based on this architecture: [paste architecture summary]
Create sprint-ready user stories for the authentication feature.
Use the story template and include acceptance criteria.

Expected Output: Detailed user stories with acceptance criteria, definition of done, and sprint planning information.

Step 4: Implement with David (Developer)

Load David (Developer) from bmad-agent/personas/dev.ide.md

Based on this user story: [paste story]
Implement the login component using React and Node.js.
Follow development best practices and include tests.

Expected Output: Production-ready code with tests, documentation, and implementation notes.

BMAD Personas Quick Reference

Persona Role When to Use Key Outputs
John Product Manager Define requirements, analyze market needs PRDs, user research, roadmaps
Fred System Architect Design system architecture, technical planning Architecture docs, technical specs
Sarah Product Owner Create user stories, manage backlog User stories, acceptance criteria
David Developer Implement features, write code Code, tests, technical documentation
Veronica/Victor UX/UI Architect Design interfaces, create components UI designs, component specs
Design Architect Design Systems Create design systems, maintain consistency Design tokens, component libraries
Analyst Business Analyst Research, analyze requirements Analysis reports, recommendations
SM Scrum Master Facilitate processes, remove blockers Process improvements, team guidance

Common Use Cases

1. Starting a New Project

Load John (Product Manager)
I need to create a new e-commerce platform for selling handmade crafts. 
Help me define the initial requirements and roadmap.
Use the PRD template and market analysis framework.

2. Designing System Architecture

Load Fred (System Architect)
Based on these requirements: [paste requirements]
Design a scalable microservices architecture for our e-commerce platform.
Include security, performance, and scalability considerations.

3. Creating Sprint-Ready Stories

Load Sarah (Product Owner)
Break down this feature: [paste feature description]
Into sprint-ready user stories with acceptance criteria.
Ensure stories are testable and deliverable within a sprint.

4. Implementing Features

Load David (Developer)
Implement this user story: [paste story]
Using React, Node.js, and PostgreSQL.
Include unit tests and API documentation.

5. Designing User Interfaces

Load Veronica (UX/UI Architect)
Design a product detail page based on these requirements: [paste requirements]
Create responsive components using our design system.
Include accessibility considerations.

Quality Assurance with BMAD

Using Quality Checklists

Validate this [deliverable type] against the [checklist name]:
[paste deliverable content]

Provide specific improvement recommendations and compliance score.

Peer Review Simulation

Acting as [different persona], review this [deliverable] created by [original persona].
Check for completeness, quality, and adherence to best practices.
Provide constructive feedback and suggestions.

Advanced Techniques

Multi-Persona Collaboration

Transition from John (PM) to Fred (Architect).
Context: PRD for user authentication system
Next task: Design secure authentication architecture
Maintain consistency with PRD requirements and constraints.

Context Preservation

Refresh project context:
- Project: E-commerce Platform
- Current phase: Architecture Design
- Active persona: Fred (Architect)
- Previous deliverable: PRD with authentication requirements
- Next milestone: Technical specification completion

Template Customization

Adapt the PRD template for a mobile application project.
Include mobile-specific considerations:
- Platform requirements (iOS/Android)
- Performance constraints
- Offline functionality needs

Best Practices

1. Always Specify the Persona

  • Explicitly load the persona file you want to use
  • Reference the persona by name in your prompts
  • Maintain persona consistency throughout related tasks

2. Use Templates and Checklists

  • Reference specific templates for structured outputs
  • Apply quality checklists for validation
  • Customize templates for project-specific needs

3. Maintain Context

  • Provide clear project context when switching personas
  • Reference previous deliverables when building on prior work
  • Keep project goals and constraints visible

4. Validate Quality

  • Use BMAD quality checklists consistently
  • Conduct peer reviews using different personas
  • Iterate based on feedback and quality assessments

Troubleshooting

Persona Not Responding Correctly

Problem: AI doesn't follow persona guidelines Solution:

  • Explicitly reference the persona file path
  • Provide clear context about the persona's role
  • Include specific task requirements and templates

Inconsistent Output Quality

Problem: Results vary significantly between sessions Solution:

  • Always use quality checklists for validation
  • Reference specific templates and examples
  • Maintain consistent prompt structure

Context Loss

Problem: AI forgets project context during long sessions Solution:

  • Regularly refresh context with key project information
  • Save important outputs as reference documents
  • Use context preservation prompts

Next Steps

Explore Comprehensive Guides

Set Up Your Environment

Advanced Usage

Community and Support

Getting Help

Contributing

  • Share your BMAD success stories
  • Contribute new templates and workflows
  • Help improve documentation and guides

Ready to transform your development process? The BMAD Method provides the structure and quality framework you need to consistently deliver excellent results with AI assistance. Start with a simple use case and gradually expand your BMAD methodology application as you become more comfortable with the personas and workflows.

Remember: BMAD is a methodology, not software. Its power comes from consistent application of its principles and patterns, not from technical installation or configuration.