# Christensen Agent - Build Log
**Purpose**: Document the entire build process so Agent 2 takes 50% less time.
---
## Day 1: Core Persona Definition (Jan 13, 2026)
### Time Spent: ~1 hour
### Deliverable: `src/personas/christensen.yaml`
### Process Followed
1. **Project Setup** (15 min)
- Created directory structure: `src/{personas,frameworks,tools,validation}`, `docs/`
- Initialized git repository
- Created package.json with MCP SDK dependencies
- Created TypeScript configuration
2. **Persona Research & Synthesis** (20 min)
- Drew from knowledge of Christensen's published works
- Identified core frameworks: Disruption, JTBD, CPP, Resource Dependence
- Captured voice characteristics and communication patterns
3. **YAML Specification Writing** (25 min)
- Structured into: identity, voice, frameworks, analysis_patterns, validation
- Included diagnostic questions for each framework
- Added canonical case studies with pattern markers
- Created validation section with good/bad response examples
### Key Decisions Made
| Decision | Rationale |
|----------|-----------|
| YAML over JSON | More readable for complex nested content with long text |
| Single persona file | Keep simple for POC; can split later if needed |
| Embedded case studies | Quick reference for pattern matching during analysis |
| Validation examples | Critical for testing fidelity; also useful for prompting |
### Patterns to Extract for Factory
1. **Persona YAML Structure**
- `identity`: Who they are
- `voice`: How they communicate
- `frameworks`: Their mental models
- `analysis_patterns`: How they approach problems
- `validation`: How to test fidelity
2. **Framework Definition Pattern**
- Description of the framework
- Key concepts with definitions and examples
- Diagnostic questions that invoke the framework
3. **Validation Pattern**
- Must-include markers (things that should always appear)
- Should-include markers (things that strengthen fidelity)
- Must-avoid markers (things that break character)
- Sample prompt/response pairs for testing
### What Worked Well
- Starting with voice characteristics grounded the persona quickly
- Diagnostic questions are immediately actionable for tool design
- Sample responses provide clear fidelity targets
### What Could Be Faster Next Time
- Have a template YAML structure ready
- Pre-define common framework types (diagnostic, analytical, creative)
- Create a checklist for persona completeness
### Files Created
```
christensen-mcp/
├── .gitignore
├── package.json
├── tsconfig.json
├── src/
│ └── personas/
│ └── christensen.yaml # Core deliverable
└── docs/
└── BUILD_LOG.md # This file
```
### Day 1 Status: COMPLETE
Ready for Day 2: Framework Implementation
---
## Day 2: Framework Implementation (Jan 13, 2026)
### Time Spent: ~1.5 hours
### Deliverables
| File | Lines | Purpose |
|------|-------|---------|
| `src/frameworks/types.ts` | ~280 | Shared types for all framework outputs |
| `src/frameworks/jobs-to-be-done.ts` | ~200 | JTBD diagnostic questions, prompts, helpers |
| `src/frameworks/disruption.ts` | ~350 | Disruption classification, case studies, prompts |
| `src/frameworks/capabilities.ts` | ~320 | CPP + Resource Dependence frameworks |
| `src/frameworks/index.ts` | ~50 | Barrel export |
| `src/persona-loader.ts` | ~220 | YAML parser + system prompt generator |
### Process Followed
1. **Type Definitions** (20 min)
- Designed output structures for each framework
- Created `ConfidenceLevel` type (Christensen always expressed uncertainty)
- Built composite `ChristensenAnalysis` type for complete decision analysis
- Added input types for tool parameters
2. **JTBD Framework** (25 min)
- Extracted diagnostic questions from persona YAML
- Created follow-up question trees by dimension
- Added milkshake story as canonical example
- Built prompt generator for Claude analysis
- Added Christensen voice phrases
3. **Disruption Framework** (30 min)
- Created classification logic (sustaining vs disruptive)
- Added signal lists for each innovation type
- Implemented 5 canonical case studies with pattern matching
- Built case study matcher that scores situation against patterns
- Added trajectory prediction structure
4. **CPP + Resource Dependence** (25 min)
- Implemented three-layer capability assessment
- Added resource provider analysis for dependence
- Created blocker identification logic
- Added Christensen voice for each framework
5. **Persona Loader** (15 min)
- YAML parsing with proper typing
- Caching for performance
- System prompt generation from persona definition
- Helper functions for accessing persona components
### Key Decisions Made
| Decision | Rationale |
|----------|-----------|
| Prompts over logic | Frameworks generate prompts for Claude rather than deterministic analysis - Claude applies the thinking |
| Case study matching | Fuzzy signal matching helps connect situations to historical patterns |
| Voice phrases embedded | Each framework has Christensen's characteristic phrases for that topic |
| System prompt generation | Persona YAML auto-generates system prompt - keeps persona definition as single source of truth |
### Architecture Pattern: Prompt-Generating Frameworks
Rather than implementing deterministic analysis logic, each framework:
1. Defines diagnostic questions
2. Structures how to think about a problem
3. Generates prompts that guide Claude's analysis
4. Provides voice characteristics for authentic responses
This is intentional - the goal is to augment Claude's reasoning with Christensen's frameworks, not replace it with rigid logic.
### What Worked Well
- Type definitions first → clear contracts for implementation
- Extracting voice phrases for each framework → richer character
- Case study signal matching → connects theory to practice
- System prompt generation → persona YAML is authoritative
### What Could Be Faster Next Time
- Template for framework implementation (diagnostic questions, prompts, voice)
- Pre-built case study matcher utility
- Automated type extraction from YAML schema
### Files Created
```
src/
├── frameworks/
│ ├── index.ts # Barrel export
│ ├── types.ts # All framework types
│ ├── jobs-to-be-done.ts # JTBD framework
│ ├── disruption.ts # Disruption theory
│ └── capabilities.ts # CPP + Resource Dependence
└── persona-loader.ts # YAML loading + system prompt
```
### Day 2 Status: COMPLETE
Ready for Day 3: MCP Server Integration
---
## Day 3: MCP Server Integration (Jan 13, 2026)
### Time Spent: ~1 hour
### Deliverables
| File | Lines | Purpose |
|------|-------|---------|
| `src/tools/analyze-decision.ts` | ~220 | Main strategic analysis tool |
| `src/tools/case-study.ts` | ~280 | Case study finder and explorer |
| `src/tools/get-framework.ts` | ~320 | Framework reference tool |
| `src/tools/index.ts` | ~25 | Barrel export |
| `src/index.ts` (updated) | ~160 | Complete MCP server with handlers |
### Tools Implemented
#### 1. `analyze_decision`
Primary strategic analysis tool. Takes a business decision and applies:
- Jobs-to-Be-Done analysis
- Disruption theory classification
- Capabilities-Processes-Priorities assessment
- Resource dependence evaluation
Returns structured prompts for Claude to apply Christensen's thinking.
#### 2. `case_study`
Case study exploration tool. Can:
- Match situations to relevant case studies
- Deep-dive into specific cases (steel, disks, milkshake, Honda, Intel)
- Show key takeaways, common misapplications, and diagnostic questions
#### 3. `get_framework`
Framework reference tool. Provides:
- Summary, full, or questions-only views
- Any individual framework or all at once
- Christensen's voice phrases for each framework
### Process Followed
1. **Tool Implementation** (40 min)
- Created zod schemas for input validation
- Built prompt generators that structure Claude's thinking
- Added case study matching with extension data
- Implemented framework summaries and full references
2. **MCP Server Wiring** (15 min)
- Imported tool definitions and handlers
- Set up ListToolsRequestSchema handler
- Set up CallToolRequestSchema handler with switch/case routing
- Added error handling with isError flag
3. **Testing** (5 min)
- Verified build succeeds
- Tested server startup
- Validated tools/list returns all 3 tools
- Tested tools/call with get_framework
### Key Decisions Made
| Decision | Rationale |
|----------|-----------|
| Zod for validation | Runtime type safety + auto-generates nice errors |
| Tool returns prompts | Claude applies the thinking, not deterministic logic |
| Case study extensions | Separate detailed info from core pattern matching |
| Error handling in handler | Return isError: true so Claude can recover gracefully |
### Architecture Note
The MCP server is a **prompt-shaping layer**, not a logic layer:
```
User Decision
│
▼
┌────────────────────┐
│ MCP Tool Handler │
│ (shapes context) │
└────────────────────┘
│
▼
┌────────────────────┐
│ Structured Prompt │
│ + Framework Guide │
│ + Case Studies │
│ + Voice Markers │
└────────────────────┘
│
▼
┌────────────────────┐
│ Claude │
│ (applies persona) │
└────────────────────┘
```
This design lets Claude do what it does best (reasoning, nuance, judgment)
while the MCP tools provide the structured context of Christensen's frameworks.
### Testing Results
```bash
# Server starts correctly
$ node dist/index.js
Christensen MCP server running on stdio
Available tools: analyze_decision, case_study, get_framework
# tools/list returns all 3 tools with schemas
# tools/call works for get_framework
# Ready for Day 4 real-world testing
```
### Files Created
```
src/
├── tools/
│ ├── index.ts # Barrel export
│ ├── analyze-decision.ts # Main analysis tool
│ ├── case-study.ts # Case study explorer
│ └── get-framework.ts # Framework reference
└── index.ts # Complete MCP server
```
### Day 3 Status: COMPLETE
Ready for Day 4: Testing & Validation with Real Decisions
---
## Day 4: Testing & Validation (Jan 13, 2026)
### Time Spent: ~45 min
### Deliverables
| File | Lines | Purpose |
|------|-------|---------|
| `src/validation/fidelity-check.ts` | ~250 | Automated fidelity scoring |
| `src/validation/test-decisions.ts` | ~180 | Real decision test cases |
| `src/validation/index.ts` | ~20 | Barrel export |
### Test Decisions (From Matthew's Real Context)
| Decision | Score | Case Study Match |
|----------|-------|------------------|
| Anthropic MCP Engineer positioning | 90/100 | Honda (unexpected value) |
| Agent Factory vs Single Agents | 90/100 | Intel (process migration) |
| n8n to Python migration timing | 90/100 | Intel (capability migration) |
**All 3 tests passed** with 90/100 fidelity scores.
### Fidelity Scoring System
**Must Include (5 markers)**:
- Framework reference (JTBD, disruption, CPP)
- JTBD question ("what job...")
- Humility ("theory suggests...")
- Case study reference
- Organizational constraints
**Should Include (4 markers)**:
- Story/example
- Multiple frameworks
- Multiple humility markers
- Combined analysis
**Anti-Patterns (penalties)**:
- Overconfidence ("definitely", "guaranteed")
- Dismissiveness (but excludes Christensen's "not stupid - rational")
- Generic advice without theory
### Key Insights Generated
**Factory Decision**:
- Matched to Intel microprocessor case
- Insight: Factory = process investment, not just resource creation
- Question raised: "What processes have you developed that could transfer?"
**Anthropic Positioning**:
- Matched to Honda motorcycles case
- Insight: Your unexpected value (hands-on MCP experience) may matter more than expected credentials
- Question raised: "What job is Anthropic hiring this role to do?"
**n8n Migration**:
- Matched to Intel case
- Insight: n8n is a resource; Python skills are transferable processes
- Question raised: "Would your priorities allow you to invest in this new direction?"
### Bug Fixed
Fidelity checker initially flagged "stupid" as dismissive, but Christensen's phrase
"It's not that managers are stupid - they're rational" is empathetic, not dismissive.
Added context-aware filtering to handle this.
### Files Created
```
src/validation/
├── index.ts # Barrel export
├── fidelity-check.ts # Scoring system
└── test-decisions.ts # Real test cases
```
### Day 4 Status: COMPLETE
Ready for Day 5: Community Prep (README, GitHub, documentation)
---
## Day 5: Community Prep (Jan 13, 2026)
### Time Spent: ~30 min
### Deliverables
| File | Purpose |
|------|---------|
| `README.md` | Comprehensive documentation with examples |
| `CLAUDE.md` | Claude Code project instructions |
| `examples/claude_desktop_config.json` | Claude Desktop config template |
| `examples/mcp.json` | Claude Code MCP config template |
### README Contents
- Quick start installation guide
- Claude Desktop and Claude Code configuration
- All 3 tools documented with usage examples
- Example conversation showing agent in action
- Architecture explanation (prompt-shaping pattern)
- Fidelity markers and testing instructions
- Project structure overview
- Factory pattern documentation
### Final Verification
```bash
$ npm run build # ✓ Clean build
$ npm test # ✓ All 3 tests passed (90/100 each)
```
### Day 5 Status: COMPLETE
---
## Project Complete - Final Summary
### Total Build Time
| Day | Focus | Time | Lines Added |
|-----|-------|------|-------------|
| 1 | Persona Definition | 1h | 590 |
| 2 | Framework Implementation | 1.5h | 1,420 |
| 3 | MCP Integration | 1h | 985 |
| 4 | Testing & Validation | 0.75h | 655 |
| 5 | Community Prep | 0.5h | 350 |
| **Total** | | **4.75h** | **~4,000** |
**Original estimate**: 21 hours
**Actual time**: 4.75 hours (77% faster)
### Final Deliverables
- **24 source files**
- **3,826 lines of TypeScript**
- **3 MCP tools**: analyze_decision, case_study, get_framework
- **4 frameworks**: JTBD, Disruption, CPP, Resource Dependence
- **5 case studies**: Steel, Disks, Milkshake, Honda, Intel
- **Automated fidelity testing**: 3/3 tests pass at 90/100
### Factory Patterns Extracted
Ready to reuse for Agent 2:
1. **Persona YAML Template**
```yaml
identity: # Who they are
voice: # How they communicate
frameworks: # Their mental models
analysis_patterns: # How they structure thinking
validation: # Fidelity markers
```
2. **Framework Module Template**
- Diagnostic questions array
- Prompt generator function
- Voice phrases for this framework
- Empty analysis structure creator
3. **MCP Tool Template**
- Zod schema for input validation
- Tool definition with inputSchema
- Handler that returns structured prompts
4. **Fidelity Testing Template**
- Positive patterns (must include)
- Negative patterns (must avoid)
- Scoring function
- Test decision format
### What Agent 2 Can Skip
- Project structure design (copy this one)
- TypeScript/MCP boilerplate (reuse)
- Fidelity testing framework (extend)
- README template (adapt)
### Estimated Time for Agent 2
With templates: **2-3 hours** (50% faster as planned)
