Agent skill · writing content · aiskillstore
ask-user
Pattern for effectively interacting with users to gather information or get decisions. Use when you need user input.
Why this skill is useful
Codifies a structured approach to user interaction that the AI could infer but now doesn't have to guess.
What it needs
About 1k tokens when loaded. Last updated 2026-08-07. 405 stars on the source repository.
What this skill does
Ask User Skill Pattern for effective user interaction. When to Load This Skill You need to clarify requirements You need user to make a decision You have options to present Principles 1. Be Specific, Not Open-Ended Bad: "What do you want?" Good: "Should authentication use JWT or sessions?" 2. Offer Options When Possible 3. Provide Context Explain WHY you're asking: What decision depends on this What trade-offs exist What you recommend and why 4. Batch Related Questions Ask related questions together: When to Ask vs Decide ASK when: Multiple valid approaches with different trade-offs User preference matters Scope is unclear Risk of wasted work DECIDE when: Clear best practice exists Low impact choice Easily reversible Standard convention applies Question Types Clarification "You mentioned 'fast' - do you mean response time < 100ms or just faster than current?" Confirmation "I understand you want X, Y, and Z. Is this correct?" Decision "Option A has [pros/cons]. Option B has [pros/cons]. Which do you prefer?" Scope "Should this also handle [related case] or just [original request]?"
How to use it
Reference it in AdaL, Claude Code, Cursor or any coding agent — nothing to install:
@skills aiskillstore/ask-user