Use when planning with fixed deadline or target outcome, working backward from future goal to present, defining milestones and dependencies, mapping critical path, identifying what must happen when, planning product launches with hard dates, multi-year strategic roadmaps, event planning, transformation initiatives, or when user mentions "backcast", "work backward from", "reverse planning", "we need to launch by", "target date is", or "what needs to happen to reach".
SkillScore87Maintained
Automatic
◆Project Management pack
Last verified 8/24/2026
What it changes
Passed 20 of 23 test cases with the skill, and 18 of 23 without it.
Without skill78%
With skill87%
Checks it passed that the model alone missed
The recommended default buffer range is 20 to 30 percent
The final step involves assessing feasibility and adjusting
2 fixed18 passed either way3 still failing0 broke
Pass-rate lift
+9 pp
Tokens
+150%
Agent turns
0%
Response time
-15%
Model gemini-3.6-flashMeasured 8/24/2026v120 of 23 cases passed with skill
Tokens, turns and time describe resource use, not a dollar price.
See it in action
One of 2 test cases the skill fixed. Same model, same prompt, with and without the skill.
1 of 2
Prompt
When estimating task durations for a standard software project critical path during a reverse schedule plan, what default percentage range is recommended for contingency buffers?
What was checked, without and with the skill
Checked
Without skill
With skill
The recommended default buffer range is 20 to 30 percent
Missed
Passed
case-15 · gemini-3.6-flash · 8/24/2026 · answers are capped and redacted
What's inside
The instructions your model reads when the skill loads.
Roadmap Backcast helps you plan backward from a fixed goal or deadline to the present, identifying required milestones, dependencies, critical path, and feasibility constraints. It transforms aspirational targets into actionable, sequenced plans.
When to Use
Invoke this skill when you need to:
Plan toward a fixed deadline (product launch, event, compliance date)
Work backward from strategic goal to present steps
Map dependencies and sequencing for complex initiatives
Identify critical path (longest sequence that determines timeline)
Assess feasibility of ambitious timeline
Coordinate cross-functional work toward shared milestone
Plan multi-year transformation with interim checkpoints