Convening Experts

Convene domain experts and methodological specialists to solve problems through multi-round collaborative discussion. Experts build on each other's insights, challenge assumptions, and synthesize recommendations.

Panel Format

Single-Round Consultation

For simpler problems requiring multiple viewpoints:

1. Assemble panel (3-5 experts based on problem domain)
2. Each expert provides independent perspective (parallel, not sequential)
3. Synthesize recommendations with attribution

Multi-Round Discussion

For complex problems requiring collaborative reasoning:

1. Round 1: Each expert analyzes problem independently
2. Round 2: Experts respond to each other's insights, building on or challenging points
3. Round 3 (if needed): Converge on synthesis, resolve disagreements
4. Final synthesis: Integrated recommendations with decision framework

Expert Roles

Available expertise spans:

• MSD domain experts (life sciences, engineering, manufacturing, quality, corporate functions)
• Consulting framework specialists (strategic, process improvement, innovation, systems analysis, root cause)

See references/msd-domain-experts.md and references/consulting-frameworks.md for complete role catalog.

Agent loads relevant references based on problem domain.

Panel Convening Logic

Agent selects 3-5 experts based on problem characteristics:

Problem type → Primary expert + Supporting experts

• Technical troubleshooting → Domain expert + Systems Thinker + Five Whys Facilitator
• Strategic decision → McKinsey Consultant + relevant domain experts + SWOT Analyst
• Process improvement → Six Sigma Black Belt + Lean Practitioner + domain Manufacturing Engineer
• Product innovation → Design Thinking Facilitator + Jobs-to-Be-Done Specialist + relevant engineers
• Root cause analysis → Domain expert + Five Whys Facilitator + Systems Thinker
• Market positioning → Porter Framework Expert + Marketing Specialist + BCG Consultant
• Cross-functional problem → Relevant domain experts + Bain Consultant (RAPID) + Systems Thinker

Response Format

Single-Round Format

---
type: assessment
endeavor: <endeavor>
subject: <subject>
date: <YYYY-MM-DD>
status: draft
initiative: <ID> (optional, when part of an initiative)
---

# Assessment: [Topic]

**Purpose:** [Why this panel was convened]
**Context:** [Background and constraints]

---

## Expert Panel: [Topic]

**Panel Members:**
- [Expert 1 Role]
- [Expert 2 Role]
- [Expert 3 Role]

---

### [Expert 1 Role]
[Independent analysis and recommendations]

### [Expert 2 Role]
[Independent analysis and recommendations]

### [Expert 3 Role]
[Independent analysis and recommendations]

---

## Synthesis
[Integrated recommendations with decision framework]

## Recommendations
[Actionable next steps]

Multi-Round Format

---
type: assessment
endeavor: <endeavor>
subject: <subject>
date: <YYYY-MM-DD>
status: draft
initiative: <ID> (optional, when part of an initiative)
---

# Assessment: [Topic]

**Purpose:** [Why this panel was convened]
**Context:** [Background and constraints]

---

## Expert Panel: [Topic]

**Panel Members:**
- [Expert 1 Role]
- [Expert 2 Role]
- [Expert 3 Role]

---

## Round 1: Initial Analysis

### [Expert 1 Role]
[Initial perspective]

### [Expert 2 Role]
[Initial perspective]

### [Expert 3 Role]
[Initial perspective]

---

## Round 2: Cross-Examination

### [Expert 1 Role] responds to [Expert 2 Role]
[Builds on or challenges specific points]

### [Expert 2 Role] responds to [Expert 3 Role]
[Integration or disagreement]

### [Expert 3 Role] responds to [Expert 1 Role]
[Synthesis attempt]

---

## Round 3: Convergence (if needed)

[Experts resolve disagreements and converge]

---

## Final Synthesis
[Integrated recommendations, highlighting consensus and productive disagreements]

## Recommendations
[Actionable next steps]

Persistent Report (Mandatory)

Every expert panel session MUST be written to the assessments directory under CANONICAL_ROOT (per /docs/layout) as a persistent artifact. The file is the primary deliverable; screen output is a summary.

File Naming Convention

assessment-<endeavor>-<subject>-<YYYY-MM-DD>.md

Follow the canonical naming grammar. Examples:

• assessment-repo-initiative-naming-2026-02-10.md
• assessment-product-pricing-strategy-2026-02-25.md

Required Frontmatter

---
type: assessment
endeavor: <endeavor>
subject: <subject>
date: <YYYY-MM-DD>
status: draft
initiative: <ID>  # optional, when panel is part of an initiative
---

Required Content Sections

The written file must include ALL of:

1. Purpose and Context — Why the panel was convened, background, constraints
2. Panel metadata — Topic, date, format used, panel members with roles
3. Full expert analysis — Every round, every expert's complete contribution
4. Cross-examination / discussion — For multi-round panels, the full exchange
5. Final synthesis — Integrated findings with decision framework
6. Actionable recommendations — Concrete next steps

Workflow

1. Write the file first to the assessments directory under CANONICAL_ROOT (per /docs/layout) with all sections above
2. Then summarize to screen — concise summary with key findings and a reference to the file path

The persistent file is the canonical record. Screen output helps the user quickly understand the outcome and locate the full report.

Expert Behavior Guidelines

Domain Experts:

• Apply MSD context (ECL platform, regulatory constraints, validated systems)
• Use domain-appropriate terminology without over-explanation
• Prioritize practical implementation over theoretical perfection
• Flag domain-specific risks and constraints

Framework Experts:

• Apply frameworks systematically (show the structure)
• Adapt frameworks to problem context (not rigid application)
• Explain "why this framework" for this problem
• Integrate domain context when applying generic frameworks

Cross-Panel Interaction:

• Reference other experts' points specifically ("Building on [Expert]'s observation about...")
• Challenge constructively ("I see it differently because...")
• Synthesize across disciplines ("This connects [Expert 1]'s technical constraint with [Expert 2]'s business priority...")
• Flag tensions between perspectives explicitly

Disagreement Handling:

• Make disagreements productive (what assumptions differ?)
• Present multiple valid approaches when consensus isn't required
• Identify decision criteria to resolve disagreements
• Escalate to user if expert consensus can't be reached

Decision Frameworks

When panel must recommend action:

RAPID (Bain)

• Recommend: Panel's recommendation with rationale
• Agree: Which stakeholders must agree
• Perform: Who implements
• Input: Who provides input
• Decide: Who makes final decision

Weighted Decision Matrix

• Criteria (importance weighted)
• Options scored on each criterion
• Total score with sensitivity analysis

Risk-Benefit Analysis

• Upside potential (probability × impact)
• Downside risk (probability × impact)
• Mitigation strategies
• Decision under uncertainty

MSD Integration

Apply MSD-specific context automatically:

Technical constraints:

• ECL platform and assay chemistry
• ISO 13485 compliance and validated systems
• Regulatory requirements (FDA, CE marking)
• Technology stack (Python, AWS, Java, TypeScript)

Business context:

• Life sciences market dynamics
• Customer segments (pharma, biotech, CRO, academic)
• Competitive landscape

Cultural factors:

• Scientific rigor and data-driven decisions
• Cross-functional collaboration norms
• Innovation balanced with risk management
• Quality and regulatory consciousness

Examples

Example 1: Technical Troubleshooting

User: Our new assay is showing high background signal in serum samples

Claude convenes:
- Assay Scientist (primary)
- Systems Thinker (feedback loops)
- Five Whys Facilitator (root cause)

Format: Multi-round (technical nuance requires collaboration)

Example 2: Strategic Decision

User: Should we build internal ML infrastructure or use vendor solutions?

Claude convenes:
- Software Engineer (implementation)
- McKinsey Consultant (strategic framing)
- Finance Analyst (cost analysis)
- DevOps Engineer (operational implications)

Format: Single-round → RAPID framework synthesis

Example 3: Process Improvement

User: Manufacturing yield dropped 8% after equipment upgrade

Claude convenes:
- Manufacturing Engineer (primary domain)
- Six Sigma Black Belt (DMAIC)
- Systems Thinker (unintended consequences)

Format: Multi-round (root cause needs collaborative analysis)

Craft Flow Integration

Expert panels integrate into the /craft SDLC flow as opt-in quality checkpoints at phase gates. The orchestrator recommends panels based on initiative complexity; users can accept or skip.

Blast-Radius Classification

Initiatives are classified into 5 complexity tiers after Phase 0 approval. The tier determines which phases offer panel checkpoints:

Tier	Panel Phases	Description
Strategic	0, 1, 2, 3	Cross-initiative, 4+ domains, or 15+ steps
Complex	0, 1, 2	2+ domains with high blast radius
Medium	2	Code/mixed with 4+ steps
Light	2	Docs-only with 2+ downstream consumers
Trivial	(none)	Low complexity, no panels

Panel Templates

Four panel templates are available for craft flow checkpoints. See references/craft-panel-templates.md for full composition, format, and prompt templates:

• Discovery Panel — Phase 0, Complex+. Validates problem framing and value proposition.
• Requirements Panel — Phase 1, Complex+. Validates user stories and acceptance criteria.
• Design Panel — Phase 2, Light+. Reviews architecture with ops and domain perspectives.
• Plan Review Panel — Phase 3, Strategic only. Validates plan decomposition and dependencies.

Phase-Panel Mapping

Phase	Panel	Minimum Tier	Format
0: Discover	Discovery	Complex	3-round
1: Define	Requirements	Complex	3-round
2: Design	Design	Light	Single-round (Light) / 3-round (Medium+)
3: Plan	Plan Review	Strategic	3-round

For full orchestration logic and checkpoint behavior, see commands/craft/craft.md.

Constraints

Never:

• Use fictional names for experts (use role titles only: "Software Engineer", not "Dr. John Smith, Software Engineer")
• Invent MSD-specific details beyond general domain knowledge
• Apply frameworks rigidly without problem context
• Create artificial consensus when legitimate disagreements exist
• Include experts who add no value (quality over quantity)
• Make experts repeat information (each should contribute uniquely)

Always:

• Write the complete panel session to the assessments directory under CANONICAL_ROOT (per /docs/layout) as a persistent assessment document
• Select experts genuinely relevant to problem
• Show framework structure when applying consulting methods
• Make cross-expert references specific and substantive
• Provide decision-ready synthesis (not "here are perspectives, you decide")
• Acknowledge uncertainty explicitly when present

Activation Decision Tree

Is problem complex with multiple valid approaches?
├─ Yes → Expert panel
│   ├─ Spans multiple domains? → Multi-round discussion
│   └─ Needs diverse perspectives? → Single-round consultation
└─ No → Direct answer (don't force panel format)

Requires systematic framework?
├─ Yes → Include framework expert
└─ No → Domain experts only

MSD-specific context relevant?
├─ Yes → Include domain experts, apply MSD constraints
└─ No → Generic consulting approach

Quality Indicators

Good panel:

• Each expert contributes unique insight
• Cross-references are specific and substantive
• Framework application shows structure and reasoning
• Synthesis provides decision-ready recommendations
• Disagreements are productive and resolved (or flagged)

Poor panel:

• Experts repeat same points
• Generic advice not grounded in frameworks or domain
• No synthesis or integration across perspectives
• Consensus forced despite legitimate disagreements
• Panel format used when direct answer would suffice