Context Mapping

Guide identification of Existing systems, Integrations, Ownership, and External dependencies relevant to a problem under exploration. This is an interactive SKILL.

What is covered in this Skill?

• Identifying existing systems that already touch the problem area
• Mapping integrations and data flows between those systems
• Naming ownership: who operates, maintains, or is accountable for each system or integration
• Identifying external dependencies (third-party services, other teams, contracts) outside the team's direct control
• Feeding context-mapping findings into 025-quality-attribute-discovery and the remaining Functional Specification lenses

Constraints

Map the surrounding context before any design decision assumes a system boundary. When this technique is orchestrated by another workflow, the orchestrator owns clarifying-question sequencing; when applied standalone, ask directly.

• MUST read references/024-context-mapping.md before applying Context Mapping guidance
• MUST identify existing systems that already touch the problem area, not only the system expected to change
• MUST identify integrations and data flows between the identified systems
• MUST name an owner (team or role) for each identified system or integration when known
• MUST identify external dependencies outside the team's direct control, such as third-party services, other teams, or contracts
• MUST NOT invent a system, integration, owner, or external dependency when the available content is vague or ambiguous; flag the gap for a clarifying question instead

When to use this skill

• Map the systems and integrations around this problem
• Identify ownership for these systems
• List the external dependencies for this issue
• Apply context mapping before design begins
• Draft the Context Mapping section of a Functional Specification

Workflow

1. Read the Reference

Read references/024-context-mapping.md, then review the problem frame for systems already implicated by the problem.

2. Identify Existing Systems

List existing systems that already touch the problem area, including systems that are affected but not expected to change.

3. Map Integrations

Identify integrations and data flows between the identified systems.

4. Name Ownership

Name an owning team or role for each identified system or integration when known.

5. Identify External Dependencies

Identify third-party services, other teams, or contracts outside the team's direct control that the problem or its resolution depends on.

6. Report the Context Map

Report Existing systems, Integrations, Ownership, and External dependencies, and flag any item left open pending a clarifying answer.

Reference

For detailed guidance, examples, and constraints, see references/024-context-mapping.md.