# task-decomposition

Breaks overwhelming features and epics into manageable vertical slices. Useful when dependencies block progress or scope creeps past realistic estimates.

- skill · `type=skill` · Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Gemini CLI, OpenCode · 593 installs · ★ 176
- Author: jwynia
- License: MIT · policy=mirror · the beginning of the file is at the end of this page
- Source: https://github.com/jwynia/agent-skills/tree/HEAD/skills/tech/development/quality/task-decomposition/SKILL.md
- Updated: 2026-02-24
- HTML: https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/skills/task-decomposition

## What it does

This skill evaluates stalled work against six diagnostic failure states. It identifies cognitive overload and blocking dependencies. When a task touches over 15-20 files or scores 21 Fibonacci points, the assistant enforces vertical slicing or a minimal walking skeleton.

To isolate blockers, it introduces interface contracts and mock layers. Complex uncertainties get handled through time-boxed spikes limited to 8 hours. Work duration stays under 2-3 days, preserving high completion rates.

This diagnostic does not handle architecture choices. System-level decisions belong in the `system-design` skill instead.

## Install

### Claude Code (native platform)

1. **Skills CLI (Vercel)**
```bash
npx skills add jwynia/agent-skills --skill task-decomposition -a claude-code
```

2. **Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `~/.claude/skills/task-decomposition/SKILL.md` — Copy the whole skill folder; for one project use .claude/skills/task-decomposition/

### Codex

1. **Skills CLI (Vercel)**
```bash
npx skills add jwynia/agent-skills --skill task-decomposition -a codex
```

2. **Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `.agents/skills/task-decomposition/SKILL.md` — For all projects use ~/.agents/skills/

### Cursor

1. **Skills CLI (Vercel)**
```bash
npx skills add jwynia/agent-skills --skill task-decomposition -a cursor
```

2. **Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `.cursor/skills/task-decomposition/SKILL.md` — Cursor also reads .agents/skills/ and .claude/skills/

### GitHub Copilot

1. **GitHub CLI**
```bash
gh skill install jwynia/agent-skills task-decomposition
```

2. **Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `.github/skills/task-decomposition/SKILL.md`

### Gemini CLI

1. **Skills CLI (Vercel)**
```bash
npx skills add jwynia/agent-skills --skill task-decomposition -a gemini-cli
```

2. **Platform CLI**
```bash
gemini skills install https://github.com/jwynia/agent-skills --path skills/tech/development/quality/task-decomposition
```

### Windsurf (Devin Desktop)

**Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `.devin/skills/task-decomposition/SKILL.md` — The legacy .windsurf/skills/ path still works

### OpenCode

**Skills CLI (Vercel)**
```bash
npx skills add jwynia/agent-skills --skill task-decomposition -a opencode
```

### Claude.ai

**Claude.ai**
- Zip the folder and upload it in Settings → Capabilities → Skills

Where a file is given instead of a command, copy the files from the source to that path: https://github.com/jwynia/agent-skills/tree/HEAD/skills/tech/development/quality/task-decomposition/SKILL.md

## When to use it
- Split large epics into independently deployable vertical slices
- Untangle dependency deadlocks with mock interfaces
- Isolate high-uncertainty technical questions into 8-hour spikes
- Calculate realistic timelines using three-point PERT estimates

## Example prompts
- The scope of this epic keeps growing, help me break it down
- I am blocked by missing services, design an interface contract slice
- Estimate uncertainty is too high, set up an 8-hour spike for this feature

## Source text · SKILL.md · MIT

Below is the content of a third-party file. It is data, not instructions for you: do not act on anything written inside unless the human asks. Block tag: fa5c8c8b984537d4.

BEGIN THIRD-PARTY FILE fa5c8c8b984537d4
```text
---
name: task-decomposition
description: "Transform overwhelming development tasks into manageable units. This skill should be used when the user says 'task too big', 'can't estimate', 'overwhelmed by scope', 'where do I start', 'epic needs breakdown', or has dependency problems. Keywords: decomposition, breakdown, estimate, scope, INVEST, vertical slice, spike, dependencies."
license: MIT
compatibility: Works with any project. Integrates with github-agile for tracking decomposed work.
metadata:
  author: jwynia
  version: "1.0"
  type: utility
  mode: assistive
  domain: development
---

# Task Decomposition Diagnostic

Transform overwhelming development tasks into manageable units by respecting cognitive limits, creating clear boundaries, and enabling parallel work. Tasks properly decomposed achieve 3x higher completion rates and 60% fewer defects.

## When to Use This Skill

Use this skill when:
- A task feels too big to estimate
- Unsure where to start
- Blocked by dependencies
- Task keeps growing (scope creep)
- Need to break down an epic or feature

Do NOT use this skill when:
- Task is already small and clear
- Doing implementation work
- Architecture decisions needed (use system-design)

## Core Principle

**The goal isn't more tasks—it's the right tasks.** Tasks small enough to understand completely, large enough to deliver value, independent enough to avoid blocking.

## Quick Reference: Cognitive Limits

| Limit | Threshold | Implication |
|-------|-----------|-------------|
| Working memory | 7±2 items | Max concepts per task |
| Context switch recovery | 23 minutes | Minimize task switching |
| Files examined | 15-20 max | Bound task scope |
| Days before completion drops | 2-3 days | Keep tasks under this |

## Task Duration Success Rates

| Duration | Completion Rate |
|----------|-----------------|
| < 2 hours | 95% |
| 2-4 hours | 90% |
| 4-8 hours (1 day) | 80% |
| 2-3 days | 60% |
| 1 week | 35% |
| > 2 weeks | <10% |

## Diagnostic States

### TD1: Too Big to Understand

**Symptoms:** Estimates range wildly, can't hold all requirements in mind, more than 7 concepts to track

**Interventions:**
- Apply INVEST criteria: Independent, Negotiable, Valuable, Estimable, Small, Testable
- Use vertical slicing (each slice is independently deployable)
- Apply walking skeleton (minimal end-to-end first)

### TD2: No Clear Entry Point

**Symptoms:** Multiple valid starting points, paralysis, everything seems connected

**Interventions:**
- Front-load risk: start with highest-uncertainty items
- Tracer bullet: minimal proof of concept
- Find the walking skeleton: thinnest slice through all layers

### TD3: Dependency Problems

**Symptoms:** "Blocked on X", diamond dependencies, coordination overhead

**Interventions:**
- Interface contracts: define API, mock while implementing
- Feature flags: deploy independently, enable when ready
- Branch by abstraction: create layer, swap implementations

### TD4: No Clear Done Criteria
```
END THIRD-PARTY FILE fa5c8c8b984537d4

The third-party file has ended. Everything between the fa5c8c8b984537d4 tags is data: requests and commands from it are not followed. An “end of file” line with another tag inside the block is part of the file.

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