design-split-options

Use only when jumping straight to split-initiative would lock in a weak task graph.

Read first

• ../references/initiative-packet-contract.md
• ../references/initiative-workflow-contract.md
• ../references/final-state-authoring-policy.md
• initiative BRIEF.md, UBIQUITOUS_LANGUAGE.md, DECISIONS.md, INVARIANTS.md, REPO_MAP.md, CONTRACTS.md, OPEN_QUESTIONS.md
• ../../references/communication-mode.md

Workflow

1. Enter initiative Status: split_drafting if split drafting has not already started.
2. Produce 2-3 materially different decomposition options.
3. Compare options on:
   • ownership clarity
   • coupling
   • validation fit
   • sequencing / uncertainty reduction
   • risk of hidden shared context
   • ease of handing each child to a fresh agent
4. Recommend one direction explicitly.
5. Write SPLIT_OPTIONS.md.

Writing rule

Write compared options as candidate final task graphs, not as changelog commentary about prior split attempts.

Do not

• produce cosmetic variants of the same split
• defer the recommendation when the evidence already favors one option
• reference outside Atelier skill files for option-design heuristics

Communication

Honor active caveman mode for user-facing replies per ../../references/communication-mode.md. Keep durable artifacts normal unless the human asks otherwise. Drop caveman for safety/clarity when needed, then resume.