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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
- How It Works - Deep dive into BMAD methodology
- System Architecture - Understanding BMAD's structure
- User Journeys - Detailed workflow examples
Set Up Your Environment
- IDE Setup Guides - Configure your development environment
- Integration Guides - Connect BMAD with your tools
Advanced Usage
- Persona Documentation - Detailed persona capabilities
- Task Libraries - Complete task workflows
- Template Collections - Comprehensive template library
Community and Support
Getting Help
- Documentation: BMAD Method Docs
- Community: GitHub Discussions
- Issues: GitHub Issues
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.