What: How to manage project intelligence files and folders. When: Use this guide when adding, updating, or removing intelligence files. Related: See
project-intelligence.mdfor what and why.
| Action | Do This |
|---|---|
| Update existing file | Edit + bump frontmatter version |
| Add new file | Create .md + add to navigation.md |
| Add subfolder | Create folder + navigation.md + update parent nav |
| Remove file | Rename .deprecated.md + archive, don't delete |
When:
business-domain.mddecisions-log.mdliving-notes.mdbusiness-tech-bridge.mdtechnical-domain.mdProcess:
html
<!-- Context: {category} | Priority: {level} | Version: {X.Y} | Updated: {YYYY-MM-DD} -->
docs: Update business-domain.md with new market focusWhen:
Naming:
user-research.md, api-docs.mdTemplate:
<!-- Context: project-intelligence/{filename} | Priority: {high|medium} | Version: 1.0 | Updated: {YYYY-MM-DD} -->
# File Title
> One-line purpose statement
## Quick Reference
- **Purpose**: [What this covers]
- **Update When**: [Triggers]
- **Related Files**: [Links]
## Content
[Follow patterns from existing files]
## Related Files
- [File 1] - [Description]
Process:
project-intelligence/project-intelligence/{filename}navigation.mdWhen:
api/, mobile/, integrations/)Structure:
project-intelligence/
├── navigation.md # Root nav
├── [new-subfolder]/ # Create this
│ ├── navigation.md # Subfolder nav required
│ ├── file-1.md
│ └── file-2.md
Process:
mkdir project-intelligence/{name}/navigation.md inside:
```html
# {Name} Navigation
Quick overview
## Files
| File | Purpose |
|------|---------|
| file-1.md | [Desc] |
3. Add content files
4. Update root `navigation.md` with subfolder entry
**Rule**: Every subfolder MUST have `navigation.md`. Avoid nesting deeper than 2 levels (e.g., `project-intelligence/domain/subdomain/`) to prevent context fragmentation.
---
## Remove/Deprecate Files
**When**:
- Content moved elsewhere
- File no longer relevant
- Merged with another file
**Process**:
1. Rename: `filename.md` → `filename.deprecated.md`
2. Add frontmatter:
```html
<!-- DEPRECATED: {YYYY-MM-DD} - {Reason} -->
<!-- REPLACED BY: {new-file.md} -->
new-file.md for current infonavigation.mdNever Delete:
living-notes.md)Frontmatter:
<!-- Context: {category} | Priority: {level} | Version: {MAJOR.MINOR} | Updated: {YYYY-MM-DD} -->
Version Rules: | Change | Version | |--------|---------| | New file | 1.0 | | Content addition/update | MINOR | | Structure change | MAJOR | | Typo fix | PATCH |
Date: Always YYYY-MM-DD
Line Limits:
Required Elements:
Anti-Patterns: ❌ Mix concerns in one file ❌ Exceed 200 lines ❌ Delete files (archive instead) ❌ Skip frontmatter ❌ Duplicate information
✅ Keep focused and scannable ✅ Archive deprecated content ✅ Use frontmatter consistently ✅ Link to related files
Ownership: | Area | Owner | Responsibility | |------|-------|----------------| | Business domain | Product Owner | Keep current, accurate | | Technical domain | Tech Lead | Keep current, accurate | | Decisions log | Tech Lead | Document decisions | | Living notes | Team | Keep active items current |
Review Cadence: | Activity | Frequency | |----------|-----------| | Quick review | Per PR | | Full review | Quarterly | | Archive review | Semi-annually |
navigation.md inside.deprecated.mdproject-intelligence.md../../project-intelligence/navigation.md../context-system.md