> wwas
Create product backlog items in Why-What-Acceptance format — independent, valuable, testable items with strategic context. Use when writing structured backlog items, breaking features into work items, or using the WWA format.
curl "https://skillshub.wtf/phuryn/pm-skills/wwas?format=md"Why-What-Acceptance (WWA)
Create product backlog items in Why-What-Acceptance format. Produces independent, valuable, testable items with strategic context.
Use when: Writing backlog items, creating product increments, breaking features into work items, or communicating strategic intent to teams.
Arguments:
$PRODUCT: The product or system name$FEATURE: The new feature or capability$DESIGN: Link to design files (Figma, Miro, etc.)$ASSUMPTIONS: Key assumptions and strategic context
Step-by-Step Process
- Define the strategic Why - Connect work to business and team objectives
- Describe the What - Keep descriptions concise, reference designs
- Write Acceptance Criteria - High-level, not detailed specifications
- Ensure independence - Items can be developed in any order
- Keep items negotiable - Invite team conversation, not constraints
- Make items valuable - Each delivers measurable user or business value
- Ensure testability - Outcomes are observable and verifiable
- Size appropriately - Small enough for one sprint estimate
Item Template
Title: [What will be delivered]
Why: [1-2 sentences connecting to strategic context and team objectives]
What: [Short description and design link. 1-2 paragraphs maximum. A reminder of discussion, not detailed specification.]
Acceptance Criteria:
- [Observable outcome 1]
- [Observable outcome 2]
- [Observable outcome 3]
- [Observable outcome 4]
Example WWA Item
Title: Implement Real-Time Spending Tracker
Why: Users need immediate feedback on spending to make conscious budget decisions. This directly supports our goal to improve financial awareness and reduce overspending.
What: Add a real-time spending tracker that updates as users log expenses. The tracker displays their current week's spending against their set budget. Designs available in [Figma link]. This is a reminder of our discussions - detailed specifications will emerge during development conversations with the team.
Acceptance Criteria:
- Spending totals update within 2 seconds of logging an expense
- Budget progress is visually indicated with a progress bar
- Users can see remaining budget amount at a glance
- System handles multiple expense categories correctly
Output Deliverables
- Complete set of backlog items for the feature
- Each item includes Why, What, and Acceptance Criteria sections
- Items are independent and deliverable in any order
- Items are sized for estimation and completion in one sprint
- Strategic context is clear for team decision-making
- Design references are included for implementation guidance
Further Reading
> related_skills --same-repo
> product-strategy
Create a comprehensive product strategy using the 9-section Product Strategy Canvas — vision, segments, costs, value propositions, trade-offs, metrics, growth, capabilities, and defensibility. Use when building a product strategy, creating a strategic plan, or defining product direction.
> pricing-strategy
Analyze and design pricing strategies including pricing models, competitive pricing analysis, willingness-to-pay estimation, and price elasticity. Use when setting prices, evaluating pricing models, preparing for a pricing change, or comparing freemium vs paid approaches.
> lean-canvas
Generate a Lean Canvas with problem, solution, metrics, cost structure, UVP, unfair advantage, channels, segments, and revenue. Use when exploring a lean startup canvas, testing a business hypothesis, or modeling a new venture.
> marketing-ideas
Generate 5 creative, cost-effective marketing ideas with channels, messaging, and engagement rationale. Use when brainstorming marketing campaigns, planning product promotion, or looking for creative marketing tactics.