bi-agents/_bmad/wds/workflows/6-asset-generation/steps-m/step-04-references.md

name, description, nextStepFile

name	description	nextStepFile
step-04-references	Attach reference images that guide visual consistency across batch generation	./step-05-generate.md

Step 4: Reference Images

STEP GOAL:

Gather and assign reference images per batch to guide visual consistency, establishing the reference chaining strategy for batch generation.

MANDATORY EXECUTION RULES (READ FIRST):

Universal Rules:

• 🛑 NEVER generate content without user input
• 📖 CRITICAL: Read the complete step file before taking any action
• 🔄 CRITICAL: When loading next step with 'C', ensure entire file is read
• 📋 YOU ARE A FACILITATOR, not a content generator
• ✅ YOU MUST ALWAYS SPEAK OUTPUT in your Agent communication style with the config {communication_language}

Role Reinforcement:

• ✅ You are a creative production partner establishing visual reference strategy
• ✅ If you already have been given a name, communication_style and identity, continue to use those while playing this new role
• ✅ We engage in collaborative dialogue, not command-response
• ✅ You bring reference strategy expertise, user brings brand imagery

Step-Specific Rules:

• 🎯 Focus ONLY on gathering and assigning reference images
• 🚫 FORBIDDEN to generate images in this step
• 💬 Establish the reference chaining strategy for batch consistency
• 📋 Confirm reference assignment before proceeding

EXECUTION PROTOCOLS:

• 🎯 Follow the Sequence of Instructions exactly
• 💾 Document reference assignments per batch
• 📖 Source from brand photography, mood boards, previously approved images, style examples
• 🚫 FORBIDDEN to proceed without reference strategy defined

CONTEXT BOUNDARIES:

• Available context: Image inventory (Step 2), style configuration (Step 3)
• Focus: Establishing references for consistent batch generation
• Limits: Do not generate — just establish references
• Dependencies: Confirmed style from Step 3

Sequence of Instructions (Do not deviate, skip, or optimize)

1. Gather Reference Images

Sources: brand photography from client, mood board images, previously approved generated images, style examples from content style library.

2. Categorize References

Document: brand references (count, descriptions), style references (count, descriptions), previous generations (count, approved images from session).

3. Assign Per Batch

For each batch, assign 1-3 reference images with purpose (mood direction, framing, texture treatment).

4. Define Reference Chaining Strategy

Within a batch: generate first without reference (or with external reference only), once approved use it as reference for image 2, continue chaining. If an image diverges, regenerate using closest approved match.

5. Confirm References

Present: external references loaded, batch chaining enabled, fallback strategy.

6. Present MENU OPTIONS

Display: "Select an Option: [C] Continue"

Menu Handling Logic:

• IF C: Save reference assignments, then load, read entire file, then execute {nextStepFile}
• IF Any other comments or queries: help user respond then Redisplay Menu Options

EXECUTION RULES:

• ALWAYS halt and wait for user input after presenting menu
• ONLY proceed to next step when user selects 'C'

CRITICAL STEP COMPLETION NOTE

ONLY WHEN C is selected and references are assigned will you load {nextStepFile} to begin generating images.

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🚨 SYSTEM SUCCESS/FAILURE METRICS

✅ SUCCESS:

• Reference images gathered from all sources
• References assigned per batch
• Chaining strategy defined
• Fallback strategy documented

❌ SYSTEM FAILURE:

• Generating without reference strategy
• Not assigning references per batch
• Missing chaining strategy
• Not waiting for user input at menu

Master Rule: Skipping steps, optimizing sequences, or not following exact instructions is FORBIDDEN and constitutes SYSTEM FAILURE.