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BMAD-METHOD/bmad-agent/checklists/change-checklist.md

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Change Navigation Checklist

Purpose: To systematically guide the selected Agent and user through the analysis and planning required when a significant change (pivot, tech issue, missing requirement, failed story) is identified during the BMAD workflow.

Instructions: Review each item with the user. Mark [x] for completed/confirmed, [N/A] if not applicable, or add notes for discussion points.


1. Understand the Trigger & Context

  • Identify Triggering Story: Clearly identify the story (or stories) that revealed the issue.
  • Define the Issue: Articulate the core problem precisely.
    • Is it a technical limitation/dead-end?
    • Is it a newly discovered requirement?
    • Is it a fundamental misunderstanding of existing requirements?
    • Is it a necessary pivot based on feedback or new information?
    • Is it a failed/abandoned story needing a new approach?
  • Assess Initial Impact: Describe the immediate observed consequences (e.g., blocked progress, incorrect functionality, non-viable tech).
  • Gather Evidence: Note any specific logs, error messages, user feedback, or analysis that supports the issue definition.

2. Epic Impact Assessment

  • Analyze Current Epic:
    • Can the current epic containing the trigger story still be completed?
    • Does the current epic need modification (story changes, additions, removals)?
    • Should the current epic be abandoned or fundamentally redefined?
  • Analyze Future Epics:
    • Review all remaining planned epics.
    • Does the issue require changes to planned stories in future epics?
    • Does the issue invalidate any future epics?
    • Does the issue necessitate the creation of entirely new epics?
    • Should the order/priority of future epics be changed?
  • Summarize Epic Impact: Briefly document the overall effect on the project's epic structure and flow.

3. Artifact Conflict & Impact Analysis

  • Review PRD:
    • Does the issue conflict with the core goals or requirements stated in the PRD?
    • Does the PRD need clarification or updates based on the new understanding?
  • Review Architecture Document:
    • Does the issue conflict with the documented architecture (components, patterns, tech choices)?
    • Are specific components/diagrams/sections impacted?
    • Does the technology list need updating?
    • Do data models or schemas need revision?
    • Are external API integrations affected?
  • Review Frontend Spec (if applicable):
    • Does the issue conflict with the FE architecture, component library choice, or UI/UX design?
    • Are specific FE components or user flows impacted?
  • Review Other Artifacts (if applicable):
    • Consider impact on deployment scripts, IaC, monitoring setup, etc.
  • Summarize Artifact Impact: List all artifacts requiring updates and the nature of the changes needed.

4. Path Forward Evaluation

  • Option 1: Direct Adjustment / Integration:
    • Can the issue be addressed by modifying/adding future stories within the existing plan?
    • Define the scope and nature of these adjustments.
    • Assess feasibility, effort, and risks of this path.
  • Option 2: Potential Rollback:
    • Would reverting completed stories significantly simplify addressing the issue?
    • Identify specific stories/commits to consider for rollback.
    • Assess the effort required for rollback.
    • Assess the impact of rollback (lost work, data implications).
    • Compare the net benefit/cost vs. Direct Adjustment.
  • Option 3: PRD MVP Review & Potential Re-scoping:
    • Is the original PRD MVP still achievable given the issue and constraints?
    • Does the MVP scope need reduction (removing features/epics)?
    • Do the core MVP goals need modification?
    • Are alternative approaches needed to meet the original MVP intent?
    • Extreme Case: Does the issue necessitate a fundamental replan or potentially a new PRD V2 (to be handled by PM)?
  • Select Recommended Path: Based on the evaluation, agree on the most viable path forward.

5. Sprint Change Proposal Components

(Ensure all agreed-upon points from previous sections are captured in the proposal)

  • Identified Issue Summary: Clear, concise problem statement.
  • Epic Impact Summary: How epics are affected.
  • Artifact Adjustment Needs: List of documents to change.
  • Recommended Path Forward: Chosen solution with rationale.
  • PRD MVP Impact: Changes to scope/goals (if any).
  • High-Level Action Plan: Next steps for stories/updates.
  • Agent Handoff Plan: Identify roles needed (PM, Arch, Design Arch, PO).

6. Final Review & Handoff

  • Review Checklist: Confirm all relevant items were discussed.
  • Review Sprint Change Proposal: Ensure it accurately reflects the discussion and decisions.
  • User Approval: Obtain explicit user approval for the proposal.
  • Confirm Next Steps: Reiterate the handoff plan and the next actions to be taken by specific agents.