# Closer Question Quality Checklist v2 **See also:** [QUESTION_CONTENT_GUIDE.md](QUESTION_CONTENT_GUIDE.md) — writing philosophy, voice & tone | [QUESTION_SCHEMA.md](QUESTION_SCHEMA.md) — JSON schema & validation rules | [QUESTION_REWRITE_PLAN.md](QUESTION_REWRITE_PLAN.md) — rewrite checklist & category order ## Purpose This checklist prevents technically valid but boring questions from reaching the app. Passing JSON validation is not enough. Every question must also feel human, useful, and worth answering. ## Automatic Rejects Reject any question that contains or strongly resembles: * Describe... * Reflect on... * Discuss... * Evaluate... * In what ways... * How satisfied are you... * What boundary around... * Explore your feelings... * Identify the ways... * Rate the effectiveness... * Communication style * Emotional processing * Conflict framework * Relationship dynamic These are therapy worksheet patterns. Burn them politely. ## Duplicate Pattern Rejects Reject the question if it repeats too much of a previous question: * same opening phrase * same option list * same emotional goal * same situation * same answer pattern * same wording with one noun swapped A file can be valid and still feel like a cursed spreadsheet. ## Opening Variety No category should overuse any opening. Watch for overuse of: * What should we... * What do you... * Which... * How much... * What makes... These are allowed, but not as the backbone of the pack. ## Consumer Test Ask: Would a real couple answer this voluntarily on a Friday night? Reject if the honest answer is no. ## Conversation Test A question should create at least one of these: * a laugh * a story * a decision * a date idea * a compliment * a surprise * a memory * a useful truth * a follow up question Reject questions that only collect data. ## Premium Test Reject the question if it does not feel worth paying for. A premium question should feel: * specific * warm * memorable * useful * fun * relationship focused ## Option Quality For multi_choice and single_choice: * use 4 to 6 options * avoid obvious correct answers * avoid overlapping options * avoid vague options like "other" * avoid all negative options * avoid options that shame either partner * keep options short * make options feel realistic ## Written Question Gate A written question is allowed only when typing creates more value than choices. Reject written questions that ask for: * basic preference * yes or no * generic reflection * long emotional labor * forced vulnerability Written questions should create stories, memories, or meaningful appreciation. ## Scale Question Gate Use scale only when intensity matters. Good scale uses: * How close does this feel? * How comfortable are you? * How often does this happen? * How important is this? * How ready are we? Bad scale uses: * random preferences * jokes * simple choices * topics better served by options ## Emotional Safety Reject questions that pressure users to: * confess * forgive * reveal trauma * admit guilt * justify boundaries * defend needs * disclose sexual details before consent context * compare partners cruelly The app should open doors, not corner people. ## Fun Requirement Every category must include playful moments. Even serious categories need: * small humor * soft wording * hopeful prompts * low pressure options * practical repair ideas No category should feel like 250 tiny court summons. ## Category Fit Every question must clearly belong to its category. Reject questions that could fit anywhere. Example: Bad for Gratitude: * What do you like most about us? Better: * What's one small thing I do that deserves more credit? ## Relationship Anchor Every question should connect to the couple. Prefer: * us * we * you and me * our life * our future * our memories Avoid generic survey voice. ## Final Human Read Before committing a pack, read 30 random questions aloud. Reject the pack if it sounds: * robotic * repetitive * clinical * boring * too similar * too heavy * too generic ## Final Approval A pack is ready only when: * schema passes * counts pass * duplicate checks pass * tone review passes * category fit passes * consumer test passes * no obvious AI patterns remain