crystallize-north-star
Purpose
Compress a validated goal structure into one specific, ambitious, achievable research North Star.
Input contract
yamlrequired: [goal_tree, constraints, intended_effect] optional: [feasibility_annotations, actor_profile, evidence_context] constraints: [the statement must preserve the declared outcome and limiting constraints]
Procedure
- Identify the highest-value outcome and the mechanism or capability it should change.
- Remove branch detail that does not distinguish the intended direction.
- Draft one sentence with outcome, scope, and constraint boundaries.
- Check traceability back to the goal tree and record unresolved tension.
Output contract
yamlproduces: [north_star_statement, research_brief, traceability_map, unresolved_tensions] delta_fields: [findings, hypothesis_updates, decisions, uncertainties, open_questions]
Quality gates
- The statement is testable and scoped.
- Every essential term traces to a goal or constraint.
Failure and counterexamples
Do not turn a slogan into a North Star or omit constraints merely to make the sentence aspirational.
Provenance map
resolved: north-star-crystallization-crystallize-north-star


