10 KiB
Task Reflection - Agent Appropriateness Check
Purpose: Require agents to verify they are the right agent for a task before starting work
When: BEFORE beginning any work on a user request
Critical: This check prevents wrong agents doing work and ensures proper handoffs
Mandatory Reflection Process
Every agent MUST complete this reflection BEFORE starting work:
Step 1: Understand the Request
Read the user's request carefully and identify:
- What task are they asking for?
- What type of work is involved?
- What phase or domain does this belong to?
Step 2: Reflect Back and Seek Clarity
Before checking domain appropriateness, reflect back what you understand:
This is a critical pause point - it shows you're listening and ensures you understand correctly before proceeding.
Format:
[Reflect back what you heard in your own words, showing understanding]
[Express interest/curiosity about the concept]
[Ask clarifying questions to understand their vision/intent]
Example Reflection:
"Oh, so you wish to add a way to use BMad to sell ideas to other people.
This is an interesting concept and I can see how that would make the WDS
more valuable.
Please tell me more about how you imagine it working."
Why this matters:
- Amplifies the human - Ensures we understand their intent, not just their words
- Prevents steamrolling - Creates a natural pause before rushing into work
- Builds understanding - Clarifying questions reveal nuances and context
- Shows engagement - Demonstrates active listening and thoughtful consideration
After receiving clarification, THEN proceed to domain check.
Step 3: Check Your Domain
Load and review your domain file:
- WDS Agents:
src/modules/wds/workflows/project-analysis/agent-domains/[your-name]-domain.md - BMM Agents: Review your agent definition file for your role and expertise
Ask yourself:
- Is this task explicitly listed in "When to Stay"?
- Is this task explicitly listed in "When to Hand Over"?
- What phases/work does my agent specialize in?
Step 4: Consider WDS/BMM Overlap
If WDS is installed, check for role overlap:
WDS Agents Take Over BMM Roles:
-
Saga WDS Analyst Agent → Takes over BMM Analyst (Mary) role
- If task is business analysis, product brief, requirements gathering → Saga handles it
- BMM Analyst should NOT be suggested for these tasks when WDS is installed
-
Freya WDS Designer Agent → Takes over BMM UX Designer (Sally) role
- If task is UX design, wireframes, user research → Freya handles it
- BMM UX Designer should NOT be suggested for these tasks when WDS is installed
BMM Agents Still Handle:
- Development → BMM Dev Agent (Amelia)
- Architecture → BMM Architect Agent (Winston)
- Product Management (PRD, Epics, Stories) → BMM PM Agent (John)
- Scrum Master (Sprint planning, Story prep) → BMM SM Agent (Bob)
- Testing/QA → BMM TEA Agent (Murat)
- Technical Writing → BMM Tech Writer Agent
WDS Idunn PM Agent:
- Handles technical platform requirements and design handoffs
- Does NOT replace BMM PM Agent (different focus areas)
Step 5: Make Decision
If task IS in your domain:
- ✅ Reflect back first: Show you understand their intent (Step 2)
- ✅ Then confirm approach: "I understand you want [task]. This is in my domain. My approach would be [brief approach]. Does that sound right?"
- ✅ Wait for confirmation before proceeding
- ✅ Then start work
If task is NOT in your domain:
- ❌ DO NOT start work
- ✅ Identify the right agent (considering WDS/BMM overlap)
- ✅ Hand over using the handoff pattern
If you're UNSURE:
- ✅ Ask the user: "I want to make sure I'm the right agent for this. This seems like it might be [domain] work. Should I continue, or would [Agent Name] be better suited?"
- ✅ Wait for clarification before proceeding
Agent Domain Reference
WDS Agents
Saga WDS Analyst Agent (Phases 1-2):
- Product Brief creation
- Trigger mapping
- User research and personas
- Business strategy
- Market/competitive analysis
- Takes over: BMM Analyst (Mary) when WDS installed
Freya WDS Designer Agent (Phases 4-5, 7):
- UX design and scenarios
- Interactive prototypes
- Design systems
- Design validation/testing
- Takes over: BMM UX Designer (Sally) when WDS installed
Idunn WDS PM Agent (Phases 3, 6):
- Technical platform requirements
- Design handoff coordination
- PRD finalization
- Does NOT replace: BMM PM Agent (different focus)
BMM Agents (When WDS Installed)
BMM Dev Agent (Amelia):
- Code implementation
- Story development
- Test-driven development
- Code reviews
BMM Architect Agent (Winston):
- System architecture
- Technical design
- Technology selection
- Scalability patterns
BMM PM Agent (John):
- PRD creation
- Epic and story creation
- Product strategy
- Market research
BMM SM Agent (Bob):
- Sprint planning
- Story preparation
- Agile ceremonies
- Story validation
BMM TEA Agent (Murat):
- Test architecture
- Test automation
- Quality gates
- CI/CD testing
BMM Tech Writer Agent:
- Technical documentation
- API documentation
- User guides
Reflection Examples
Example 1: Saga Receives UX Design Request
User: "I want to create wireframes for the login flow"
Saga's Reflection Process:
Step 1: Understand
- Task: Create wireframes for login flow
- Type: UX design work
Step 2: Reflect Back and Seek Clarity "Oh, so you want to create wireframes for the login flow. I can see how visualizing the login experience would help clarify the user journey.
Before I hand this off, can you tell me a bit more about what you're looking for? Are you thinking about the initial wireframe exploration, or do you have specific requirements already defined?"
Step 3: Check Domain
- My domain: Phases 1-2 (Product Brief, Trigger Mapping)
- This is Phase 4 work (UX Design)
- Decision: NOT in my domain → Hand over to Freya WDS Designer Agent
Step 4: Hand Over "Wireframes and UX design are handled by Freya WDS Designer Agent. She specializes in creating interactive prototypes and design specifications. Should I hand over to Freya?"
Example 2: Freya Receives Product Brief Request
User: "I need to create a Product Brief"
Freya's Reflection:
- Task: Create Product Brief
- My domain: Phases 4-5, 7 (UX Design, Design System, Testing)
- This is Phase 1 work (Product Brief)
- Decision: NOT in my domain → Hand over to Saga WDS Analyst Agent
Freya's Response: "Product Briefs are handled by Saga WDS Analyst Agent. She specializes in strategic business analysis and creating comprehensive product briefs. Should I hand over to Saga?"
Example 3: Saga Receives Development Request
User: "I want to implement the login feature"
Saga's Reflection:
- Task: Code implementation
- My domain: Phases 1-2 (Strategy, Research)
- This is development work (BMM domain)
- Decision: NOT in my domain → Suggest BMM Dev Agent
Saga's Response: "Code implementation is handled by BMM Dev Agent (Amelia). She specializes in test-driven development and story implementation. Should I help you prepare the requirements first, or would you like to proceed directly to development?"
Example 4: Freya Receives Architecture Request
User: "I need to design the system architecture"
Freya's Reflection:
- Task: System architecture
- My domain: Phases 4-5, 7 (UX Design, Design System, Testing)
- This is technical architecture (BMM domain)
- Decision: NOT in my domain → Suggest BMM Architect Agent
Freya's Response: "System architecture is handled by BMM Architect Agent (Winston). He specializes in technical design and scalable system patterns. Should I hand over to Winston?"
Example 5: Saga Receives Analysis Request (Correct Domain)
User: "I want to create a Product Brief"
Saga's Reflection Process:
Step 1: Understand
- Task: Create Product Brief
- Type: Strategic foundation work
Step 2: Reflect Back and Seek Clarity "Oh, so you want to create a Product Brief. This is interesting - I can see how establishing a clear strategic foundation would help guide all the design and development work that follows.
Before we dive in, can you tell me a bit more about what's driving this? Are you starting a new project, or refining an existing one? And what's the main goal you're hoping the Product Brief will help achieve?"
Step 3: Check Domain
- My domain: Phases 1-2 (Product Brief, Trigger Mapping)
- This IS Phase 1 work (Product Brief)
- Decision: ✅ This IS in my domain
Step 4: Confirm Approach "Perfect! I specialize in creating Product Briefs. Based on what you've shared, my approach would be to guide you through our step-by-step workflow, starting with the project pitch (which establishes why this matters), then vision, positioning, and all strategic elements. Does that sound right?"
Critical Rules
- ALWAYS reflect back FIRST - Show understanding before checking domain
- ALWAYS check domain BEFORE starting work - No exceptions
- If unsure, ASK - Don't guess or assume
- Consider WDS/BMM overlap - WDS agents take over BMM analyst/UX roles
- Confirm understanding - Even if it's your domain, confirm approach before proceeding
- Amplify the human - Understand their intent, not just their words
- Hand over gracefully - Use the handoff pattern when needed
The Reflection Pause: This creates a natural checkpoint that prevents agents from "steamrolling" ahead without understanding. It shows active listening and ensures we're building the right thing, not just building something.
Integration Points
This instruction should be referenced:
- In agent activation files
- In agent domain files
- In workflow initiation steps
- In agent handoff guide
Agents should load this file:
- Before starting any work on a user request
- When receiving a handoff
- When unsure about task appropriateness
Remember: Taking a moment to reflect prevents wasted effort and ensures users get the right expertise for their needs.