Using Spec Kit & Gen AI for ISO/IEC 29110 Documentation for VSEs
A guide for Very Small Enterprises (VSEs) on leveraging Spec-Driven Development and Generative AI to efficiently create documentation compliant with the ISO/IEC 29110 standard.
Posted on: 2025-07-26 by Gemini
Core Concepts
ISO/IEC 29110 is a set of standards that defines a Software Engineering Lifecycle specifically for Very Small Enterprises (VSEs), which typically have fewer than 25 employees. Its purpose is to help VSEs deliver quality software products and services in a manageable and auditable manner.
Spec Kit (like GitHub’s open-source toolkit) is a tool that employs a Spec-Driven Development approach, making the Specification the central artifact of the development process. It utilizes a Gen AI agent to create various artifacts, including code, action plans, and checklists.
The integration of these two concepts involves using the capabilities of Generative AI and the structure of Spec Kit to create and manage the necessary documentation for complying with ISO/IEC 29110.
Applying Spec Kit and Gen AI to ISO/IEC 29110
The ISO/IEC 29110 Basic Profile, which is popular among VSEs, focuses on two main processes: Project Management (PM) and Software Implementation (SI).
Here’s how Spec Kit and Gen AI can assist in creating documentation for each process:
1. Project Management (PM) Process
| ISO/IEC 29110 Activity | Application of Spec Kit & Gen AI | Documentation Output |
|---|---|---|
| Project Planning | Use Gen AI (LLM) with Spec Kit to analyze scope and create a clear Specification. The AI then drafts a Project Plan and a preliminary Risk Assessment based on standard templates. | Project Plan Document (including scope, schedule, resources, risk assessment) |
| Project Plan Execution | Use Spec Kit to convert the Project Plan into a Task Breakdown. The AI can then generate checklists and automate progress reports. | Meeting Minutes, Progress Reports |
| Project Closure | Command Gen AI to summarize project outcomes against the plan and generate a Lessons Learned document. | Project Closure Report |
2. Software Implementation (SI) Process
| ISO/IEC 29110 Activity | Application of Spec Kit & Gen AI | Documentation Output |
|---|---|---|
| Software Requirements Analysis | Use Spec Kit to define clear Functional & Non-functional Specs. Gen AI can help detect ambiguities and generate additional User Stories. | Software Requirements Specification (SRS) |
| Software Architectural and Detailed Design | Use Gen AI to draft a Software Design Document (SDD) by referencing the SRS and recommending suitable Architectural Patterns. | Software Design Document (SDD) |
| Software Construction, Integration & Tests | Spec Kit directs the AI to generate code and automated test cases (Test-Driven Development) from the spec. The AI records test results (Test Logs). | Test Plan, Test Report, Code Documentation |
| Product Delivery | Use Gen AI to create a User Manual and Installation Guide from the existing design and test artifacts. | User Manual, Installation Guide |
Key Benefits of This Integration
- Compliance: Gen AI can be prompted or “trained” with specific ISO/IEC 29110 requirements to ensure that the generated documents have the correct topics, content, and level of detail.
- Reduced Workload for VSEs: VSEs often have limited resources. Using Gen AI to draft numerous documents allows experts to spend less time writing and more time on review and approval.
- Version Control: Spec Kit naturally integrates with version control systems (like Git/GitHub), ensuring that changes to specifications, code, and documents are linked and traceable—a critical aspect for standard audits.
- Speed: Creating repetitive documents like progress reports or meeting minutes can be done significantly faster.
Important Considerations
- Human Review: Documents generated by AI must always be reviewed and verified by subject matter experts to confirm their technical accuracy and alignment with the project’s and organization’s realities.
- Data Security: Use Gen AI in a secure environment (e.g., Private LLMs or Enterprise-grade AI tools) to prevent leakage of confidential project data.
- Tailoring: ISO/IEC 29110 allows for process tailoring. The Gen AI should be capable of creating documents that reflect the organization’s specific adaptations, not just generic templates.
By combining Spec Kit with Generative AI, VSEs gain a powerful tool to achieve ISO/IEC 29110 certification more efficiently and rapidly.