Template
Clarifying Workflow
Ask only for missing information using structured fields and visible defaults.
Clarifying QuestionsObservable WorkFieldInput GroupToggle Group
Use
Workflow Guidance
Use when proceeding would force the agent to invent a requirement or policy decision.
Human Control
Users can answer, skip, or keep defaults visible while the agent remains blocked.
What Can Fail
Too many open questions, vague answer requirements, or chatty follow-up loops.
Recovery Behavior
Batch questions by decision type and preserve defaults for unanswered items.
State Matrix
Required States
A template is only useful when it shows normal, blocked, and recovery states.
State Coverage
Needed
User sees
The smallest answer set required to continue.
System does
Keeps dependent work blocked.
Answered
User sees
Selected answers and any defaults used.
System does
Resumes work with explicit constraints.
Skipped
User sees
What assumption will be used instead.
System does
Continues only if the fallback is safe.
| State | User Sees | System Does |
|---|---|---|
| Needed | The smallest answer set required to continue. | Keeps dependent work blocked. |
| Answered | Selected answers and any defaults used. | Resumes work with explicit constraints. |
| Skipped | What assumption will be used instead. | Continues only if the fallback is safe. |
Implementation
Pattern Pieces
Templates are guidance; registry items stay smaller so teams can compose them into their own product surface.
Clarifying Questions
A controlled question group for collecting missing requirements through text, single-choice, and multiple-choice prompts.
Observable Work
A step disclosure pattern for showing visible agent work, touched sources, state, and completion without exposing hidden reasoning traces.
Field
Stock shadcn/ui field wrapper pairing a label, control, and description.
Input Group
Stock shadcn/ui input group for inputs with inline addons and actions.
Toggle Group
Stock shadcn/ui toggle group for selecting one option from a small set.
| Element | Spec |
|---|---|
| Clarifying Questions | A controlled question group for collecting missing requirements through text, single-choice, and multiple-choice prompts. |
| Observable Work | A step disclosure pattern for showing visible agent work, touched sources, state, and completion without exposing hidden reasoning traces. |
| Field | Stock shadcn/ui field wrapper pairing a label, control, and description. |
| Input Group | Stock shadcn/ui input group for inputs with inline addons and actions. |
| Toggle Group | Stock shadcn/ui toggle group for selecting one option from a small set. |
Build Rules
- ApprovalRisky external actions use a Decision Surface before execution.
- ProvenanceSources, memory, cost, and owner metadata stay visible at the decision point.
- RecoveryBlocked states expose the next input needed instead of showing indefinite activity.