Agent plans need explicit dependencies, not just numbered lists, argues new design pattern
OriginalHospital · reddit · 2026-09-10
The author argues numbered task lists make independent work look sequential while hiding what truly must wait, and that agents should state what each step requires before starting.
Using a podcast workflow as an example: topic extraction can use the transcript, clip timestamps need aligned audio, and the publication draft needs a final title and approved links — finishing the transcript doesn't satisfy all three. Genuinely independent work (like preparing an empty notes template during transcription) should be distinguished from premature dependent work.
The proposed pattern: for each task, record required inputs, produced outputs, and what invalidates the output — edited audio invalidates clip timestamps, but a title spelling fix shouldn't force retranscription. Presented as a planning pattern, not a benchmark; its value is making the reason for waiting or rework visible instead of letting "step 4 completed" stand in for having the right inputs.
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