| name | sdlc-tier-selection |
| description | Guide for selecting the appropriate SDLC tier based on project complexity. Use when planning features, assessing scope, or starting new work. |
SDLC Tier Selection
Repository State (Check First)
| State | Action |
|---|---|
Empty (no src/) |
Start fresh with full design templates |
| Has code + designs | Update existing designs, maintain compatibility |
| Has code, no designs | Analyze codebase, generate designs, then proceed |
SDLC Tiers
⚠️ Time estimates are HUMAN hours for complexity assessment only. Never refuse scope based on time.
| Tier | Scope | Design Docs Required |
|---|---|---|
| Micro | Bug fixes (<1 day) | use-cases.md (if needed) |
| Small | Single feature (1-3 days) | use-cases.md + architecture.md + api.md |
| Medium | Multiple features (3-7 days) | + database.md |
| Large | Major changes (1-2 weeks) | All 6 docs |
| Enterprise | Full system (2+ weeks) | All 6 docs |
Phase Sequences
Micro: Requirements → Design Update (if needed) → Implementation → Testing
Small: Requirements → Design → Implementation → Testing → Deployment
Medium: Requirements → System Design → Documentation → Implementation → QA → Deployment
Large: Requirements → Architecture → Detailed Design → Documentation → Development → Testing → Quality Gates → Deployment
Enterprise: Discovery → System Architecture → Detailed Design → Compliance → Phased Development → Comprehensive Testing → Quality Gates → Infrastructure → Deployment → Post-Release
Design Documents (in .gaia/designs/)
use-cases.md- Use cases, user flows, API/UI journeysarchitecture.md- System design and componentsapi.md- API endpoints and contractsdatabase.md- Schema and data modelssecurity.md- Authentication and authorizationfrontend.md- UI/UX patterns and components
After Selection
mcp__gaia__remember("sdlc", "type", "[micro/small/medium/large/enterprise]", "ProjectWide")
mcp__gaia__remember("sdlc", "phases", "[phase list]", "ProjectWide")