PD Phase 4: Validate¶
Usability testing and iteration -- test the prototype with users and refine based on feedback.
Command: /pd-4-validate [--plan | --analyze FILE | --iterate]
When to use¶
After the prototype is built and deployed. This phase ensures the design actually works for users before investing in detailed specifications.
Modes¶
| Mode | Command | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Plan | /pd-4-validate --plan |
Create a usability test plan from PRD user journeys |
| Analyze | /pd-4-validate --analyze FILE |
Analyze test session results |
| Iterate | /pd-4-validate --iterate |
Fix critical/major issues and re-test |
What happens¶
Validation loop¶
--plan --> Conduct 5-8 user tests --> --analyze --> Major issues?
|
YES: --iterate --> Update prototype --> Re-test
NO: Proceed to /pd-5-specchen
Plan mode¶
Invokes the usability-test-designer agent to generate task scenarios from PRD
user journeys, success metrics, a moderator script, and an observation template.
Analyze mode¶
Processes test recordings or notes. Produces task completion rates, issue severity ratings (Critical/Major/Minor/Cosmetic), and prioritized recommendations.
Iterate mode¶
Loads the latest analysis, prioritizes issues by severity, proposes prototype fixes, and tracks changes in an iteration log. Recommends re-testing after fixes.
PRD delta tracking¶
Requirement changes discovered during validation are logged to
03-PRD/PRD-DELTA.md continuously, just as in the prototype phase.
Output¶
- Usability test plan (
02-Knowledge/04-Dokumente/usability-test-plan-[date].md) - Analysis report with task completion rates and issue severity
- Iteration log tracking fixes applied
- Updated PRD delta log
Quality gate¶
- Minimum 5 usability tests completed
- Task completion rate >= 80%
- Zero critical issues remaining
- Findings documented