---
description: Start a new change using the experimental artifact workflow (OPSX)
---
Start a new change using the experimental artifact-driven approach.
**Input**: The argument after `/opsx:new` is the change name (kebab-case), OR a description of what the user wants to build.
**Steps**
1. **If no input provided, ask what they want to build**
Use the **AskUserQuestion tool** (open-ended, no preset options) to ask:
> "What change do you want to work on? Describe what you want to build or fix."
From their description, derive a kebab-case name (e.g., "add user authentication" → `add-user-auth`).
**IMPORTANT**: Do NOT proceed without understanding what the user wants to build.
2. **Determine the workflow schema**
Use the default schema (omit `--schema`) unless the user explicitly requests a different workflow.
**Use a different schema only if the user mentions:**
- A specific schema name → use `--schema <name>`
- "show workflows" or "what workflows" → run `openspec schemas --json` and let them choose
**Otherwise**: Omit `--schema` to use the default.
3. **Create the change directory**
```bash
openspec new change "<name>"
```
Add `--schema <name>` only if the user requested a specific workflow.
This creates a scaffolded change at `openspec/changes/<name>/` with the selected schema.
4. **Show the artifact status**
```bash
openspec status --change "<name>"
```
This shows which artifacts need to be created and which are ready (dependencies satisfied).
5. **Get instructions for the first artifact**
The first artifact depends on the schema. Check the status output to find the first artifact with status "ready".
```bash
openspec instructions <first-artifact-id> --change "<name>"
```
This outputs the template and context for creating the first artifact.
6. **STOP and wait for user direction**
**Output**
After completing the steps, summarize:
- Change name and location
- Schema/workflow being used and its artifact sequence
- Current status (0/N artifacts complete)
- The template for the first artifact
- Prompt: "Ready to create the first artifact? Run `/opsx:continue` or just describe what this change is about and I'll draft it."
**Guardrails**
- Do NOT create any artifacts yet - just show the instructions
- Do NOT advance beyond showing the first artifact template
- If the name is invalid (not kebab-case), ask for a valid name
- If a change with that name already exists, suggest using `/opsx:continue` instead
- Pass --schema if using a non-default workflow
