Gate Check
Validate all gate criteria are met before advancing the PRD lifecycle version.
Workflow Overview
- Load Gate Criteria → Read target gate requirements from PRD.md
- Verify Evidence → Check required artifacts exist with valid IDs
- Assess Readiness → Evaluate handoff requirements
- Report → Pass/Block with specific gaps
Core Output Template
| Element | Definition | Evidence |
|---------|------------|----------|
| Target Gate | Version being validated | v0.3 → v0.4 |
| Status | Pass or Block | Clear determination |
| Missing Artifacts | What's not complete | Specific list with IDs |
| Recommendation | Action to take | Proceed / Address gaps |
Gate Reference
| Gate | Focus | Key Artifacts | |------|-------|---------------| | v0.1 → v0.2 | Problem validated | CFD-XXX evidence | | v0.2 → v0.3 | Market defined | Segment definitions | | v0.3 → v0.4 | Commercial viable | BR-XXX, pricing | | v0.4 → v0.5 | Journeys mapped | UJ-XXX complete | | v0.5 → v0.6 | Risks addressed | Risk register | | v0.6 → v0.7 | Architecture set | API-XXX, schemas | | v0.7 → v0.8 | Build complete | Tests passing | | v0.8 → v0.9 | Deployed | Live environment | | v0.9 → v1.0 | Launched | Metrics tracking |
Step 1: Load Gate Criteria
- Read PRD.md gate section for target version
- Extract all required criteria
- Identify artifact types needed (BR, UJ, API, CFD)
Checklist
- [ ] Target gate identified
- [ ] All criteria extracted
- [ ] Required artifact types listed
Step 2: Verify Evidence
For each required criterion:
- Check artifact exists in SoT/
- Verify artifact status is not "Draft"
- Confirm cross-references are valid
- Check for required CFD-XXX evidence
Evidence Matrix
| Criterion Type | Verification | |----------------|--------------| | Business Rule | BR-XXX exists, status Active | | User Journey | UJ-XXX exists, all steps defined | | API Contract | API-XXX exists, endpoints specified | | Customer Evidence | CFD-XXX linked to BR-XXX |
Checklist
- [ ] All required BR-XXX verified
- [ ] All required UJ-XXX verified
- [ ] All required API-XXX verified
- [ ] Evidence chain (CFD → BR) validated
Step 3: Assess Handoff Readiness
Check downstream requirements:
- Next agent has context needed
- No open blockers in current EPIC
- Documentation is current
Checklist
- [ ] EPIC Session State section has no blockers
- [ ] README.md is synchronized
- [ ] Handoff documentation exists
Step 4: Generate Report
## Gate Check Report: v0.X → v0.Y
**Status**: [PASS / BLOCK]
**Date**: YYYY-MM-DD
### Criteria Assessment
| Criterion | Status | Evidence |
|-----------|--------|----------|
| [Criterion 1] | ✅/❌ | [ID or gap] |
| [Criterion 2] | ✅/❌ | [ID or gap] |
### Missing Artifacts
- [ ] [Specific gap with required action]
### Recommendation
[Proceed to v0.Y / Address [N] gaps before advancing]
Quality Gates
Pass Checklist
- [ ] All criteria evaluated (none skipped)
- [ ] Evidence is traceable to IDs
- [ ] Recommendation is actionable
Testability Check
- [ ] Report can be validated against PRD.md criteria
- [ ] Missing artifacts are specific and findable
Anti-Patterns
| Pattern | Example | Fix | |---------|---------|-----| | Skipping criteria | "Probably fine" | → Verify each explicitly | | Vague gaps | "Needs more work" | → Cite specific missing ID | | Override blocks | Advancing despite fails | → Address gaps first |
Boundaries
DO:
- Validate against documented criteria
- Identify specific gaps
- Provide actionable recommendations
DON'T:
- Create missing artifacts (just report)
- Override gate blocks
- Make subjective quality judgments
Handoff
After gate check:
- If PASS: Advance PRD version, trigger
ghm-status-sync - If BLOCK: Return to current stage, address gaps