The principle: the criterion first
Before launch, the task, the input data, the expected artifact, the acceptance criteria, the limits and the person who makes the decision are fixed. Without this the price is not discussed. A criterion is an agreement about which result counts as ready and which goes back for rework.
What to build the criteria from
- Form and structure: a report, minutes, a specification, a contradiction map — with mandatory fields.
- Sources: conclusions reference observations, quotes or explicitly stated assumptions.
- Completeness: open questions and gaps are listed, not hidden.
- Boundaries: what the result does not allow to claim.
- Verification: who confirms the result and within what timeframe.
Examples of measurable criteria
- Mail assistant: completeness of critical email detection no lower than 0.99; at least 60% of drafts go out without edits.
- Local meeting scribe: four documents from one recording, each report cross-checked against the original recording.
- Requirements analyst: 100% of requirements are tied to a source, contradictions and duplicates are listed.
Criteria and rework
Everything beyond the fixed criteria — new rules, sources, formats — goes into hourly rework. This protects both the client and the contractor: a change of requirements is not disguised as a "bad result".
Questions and answers
Who formulates the acceptance criteria?
The client together with the contractor: the process owner defines the task and the artifact, the project defines the measurable indicators and the boundaries.
What if the result does not pass the criteria?
The result goes back for rework following the journal: it is visible at which stage and for what reason the criterion was not met.
Where are the criteria fixed?
In the agent passport and in the launch agreement: task, inputs, artifact, criteria, limits and the responsible person.
What do the acceptance criteria include?
The task, the input data, the expected artifact, the criteria, the limits and the person who makes the decision.
Why are the criteria fixed before the price?
The 'result criterion first' principle: without a fixed task and artifact the price is not discussed.
Who formulates the criteria?
The client together with the contractor before launch; the result is fixed in the launch agreement.
Can the criteria change during the process?
Yes, by an explicit decision with an update of the agreement and the journal; silent changes are not allowed.
What to do if the result does not pass the criteria?
Record the discrepancy, check the inputs and rework.
Where can I see an example of criteria?
In the agent passports: the 'What you get' field describes the form of the artifact, and 'Limitation' — what the result does not promise.
Do the criteria differ for a subagent and an agent?
The form is the same, the scale differs: for a subagent the criterion describes one step of the process, for an agent — the whole process.