Problem
Public repositories without local guidance do not inherit a useful organization-wide contribution path, so contributors cannot predict setup, scope, testing, review, or change-log expectations.
User outcome
A contributor can prepare a focused, testable change and understand when repository-specific instructions override the default.
Scope
- Add a default CONTRIBUTING guide with discovery, issue, branch, testing, documentation, and review expectations.
- Add a concise pull-request template focused on outcome, evidence, risks, and screenshots where applicable.
- Explain precedence of repository-specific contributor files.
- Link the guidance from the organization profile.
Non-goals
- Imposing one build command on every repository.
- Replacing product-specific development documentation.
Acceptance criteria
Validation
- Preview a pull request in a repository with and without local overrides.
- Ask a new contributor to follow the default against a representative documentation change.
Relationships
- Complements default issue forms and governance guidance.
- Product repositories remain authoritative for technical commands.
Problem
Public repositories without local guidance do not inherit a useful organization-wide contribution path, so contributors cannot predict setup, scope, testing, review, or change-log expectations.
User outcome
A contributor can prepare a focused, testable change and understand when repository-specific instructions override the default.
Scope
Non-goals
Acceptance criteria
Validation
Relationships