wwas — Claude Code skill: WWA backlog items and install
Creates product backlog items in the Why-What-Acceptance format. Use it when splitting a feature into independent work items with testable outcomes.
npx skills add phuryn/pm-skills --skill wwas -a claude-codeWhat wwas does
This skill drafts product backlog items in the WWA structure: a title, a Why section with strategic context, a concise What section, and acceptance criteria. It connects work to team objectives and keeps the intended outcome observable.
Prompts can include a product name, a new feature, design links, and key assumptions. The skill keeps acceptance criteria at a high level and places design references in the item description.
Each item is meant to be independent, valuable, and small enough for estimation in one sprint. That is a reason to break down a large feature before backlog preparation, because dependent items cannot be delivered in any order.
What it helps with
- split a feature into independent backlog items
- state the strategic reason for a task
- write observable acceptance criteria
- include a design link in a work item
- prepare items for sprint estimation
Example prompts for the agent
- Create WWA backlog items for `Budget App`: expense tracking, Figma designs, and our team assumptions.
- Break this feature into independent WWA items with Why, What, and Acceptance Criteria sections.
- Draft a WWA item for this capability and add observable acceptance criteria.
How to install wwas
1Skills CLI (Vercel)
npx skills add phuryn/pm-skills --skill wwas -a claude-code2Manually: put the files in place
~/.claude/skills/wwas/SKILL.mdCopy the whole skill folder; for one project use .claude/skills/wwas/
1Skills CLI (Vercel)
npx skills add phuryn/pm-skills --skill wwas -a codex2Manually: put the files in place
.agents/skills/wwas/SKILL.mdFor all projects use ~/.agents/skills/
1Skills CLI (Vercel)
npx skills add phuryn/pm-skills --skill wwas -a cursor2Manually: put the files in place
.cursor/skills/wwas/SKILL.mdCursor also reads .agents/skills/ and .claude/skills/
1GitHub CLI
gh skill install phuryn/pm-skills wwas2Manually: put the files in place
.github/skills/wwas/SKILL.md1Skills CLI (Vercel)
npx skills add phuryn/pm-skills --skill wwas -a gemini-cli2Platform CLI
gemini skills install https://github.com/phuryn/pm-skills --path pm-execution/skills/wwasManually: put the files in place
.devin/skills/wwas/SKILL.mdThe legacy .windsurf/skills/ path still works
Skills CLI (Vercel)
npx skills add phuryn/pm-skills --skill wwas -a opencodeClaude.ai
Zip the folder and upload it in Settings → Capabilities → Skills
From the same set61
The whole set →Similar
Questions about wwas
How do I install wwas in Claude Code?
Run npx skills add phuryn/pm-skills --skill wwas -a claude-code, then run npx skills add phuryn/pm-skills --skill wwas -a claude-code again. The skill file is at ~/.claude/skills/wwas/SKILL.md.
What does wwas do?
wwas creates product backlog items using the Why-What-Acceptance structure. Each item includes context, a short description, and acceptance criteria.
What information can I provide for a WWA item?
You can provide the product name, feature or capability, a design link, and key assumptions with strategic context. Design references are included in the What section.
Source text
SKILL.md · MIT
--- name: wwas description: "Create product backlog items in Why-What-Acceptance format — independent, valuable, testable items with strategic context. Use when writing structured backlog items, breaking features into work items, or using the WWA format." --- # Why-What-Acceptance (WWA) Create product backlog items in Why-What-Acceptance format. Produces independent, valuable, testable items with strategic context. **Use when:** Writing backlog items, creating product increments, breaking features into work items, or communicating strategic intent to teams. **Arguments:** - `$PRODUCT`: The product or system name - `$FEATURE`: The new feature or capability - `$DESIGN`: Link to design files (Figma, Miro, etc.) - `$ASSUMPTIONS`: Key assumptions and strategic context ## Step-by-Step Process 1. **Define the strategic Why** - Connect work to business and team objectives 2. **Describe the What** - Keep descriptions concise, reference designs 3. **Write Acceptance Criteria** - High-level, not detailed specifications 4. **Ensure independence** - Items can be developed in any order 5. **Keep items negotiable** - Invite team conversation, not constraints 6. **Make items valuable** - Each delivers measurable user or business value 7. **Ensure testability** - Outcomes are observable and verifiable 8. **Size appropriately** - Small enough for one sprint estimate ## Item Template **Title:** [What will be delivered] **Why:** [1-2 sentences connecting to strategic context and team objectives] **What:** [Short description and design link. 1-2 paragraphs maximum. A reminder of discussion, not detailed specification.] **Acceptance Criteria:** - [Observable outcome 1] - [Observable outcome 2] - [Observable outcome 3] - [Observable outcome 4] ## Example WWA Item **Title:** Implement Real-Time Spending Tracker **Why:** Users need immediate feedback on spending to make conscious budget decisions. This directly supports our goal to improve financial awareness and reduce overspending. **What:** Add a real-time spending tracker that updates as users log expenses. The tracker displays their current week's spending against their set budget. Designs available in [Figma link]. This is a reminder of our discussions - detailed specifications will emerge during development conversations with the team. **Acceptance Criteria:** - Spending totals update within 2 seconds of logging an expense - Budget progress is visually indicated with a progress bar - Users can see remaining budget amount at a glance - System handles multiple expense categories correctly ## Output Deliverables - Complete set of backlog items for the feature - Each item includes Why, What, and Acceptance Criteria sections - Items are independent and deliverable in any order - Items are sized for estimation and completion in one sprint - Strategic context is clear for team decision-making - Design references are included for implementation guidance --- ### Further Reading - [How to Write User Stories: The Ultimate Guide](https://www.productcompass.pm/p/how-to-write-user-stories)
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