diff --git a/.github/pull_request_template.md b/.github/pull_request_template.md
index ebed0920..9b60fdc1 100644
--- a/.github/pull_request_template.md
+++ b/.github/pull_request_template.md
@@ -1,20 +1,40 @@
-# Description of change
-Please write a summary of your changes and why you made them.
-
-## Links to any relevant issues
-Be sure to reference any related issues by adding `fixes issue #`.
-
-## How the change has been tested
-Describe the tests that you ran to verify your changes.
-Make sure to provide instructions for the maintainer as well as any relevant configurations.
-
-## Definition of Done checklist
-Add an `x` to the boxes that are relevant to your changes.
-
-- [ ] I have followed the contribution guidelines for this project
-- [ ] I have performed a self-review of my own code
-- [ ] I have commented my code, particularly in hard-to-understand areas
-- [ ] I have made corresponding changes to the documentation
-- [ ] I have added tests that prove my fix is effective or that my feature works
-- [ ] New and existing unit tests pass locally with my changes
-- [ ] I have successfully tested this change in a docker environment 
+# 1. The Principle: Definition of Done
+
+"Done" means the work is ready for production and considerate of future maintainers. Work is not "done" until:
+
+* **Reviewers** understand *what* was done and *why*.
+* **Testers** clearly understand *how* to verify it.
+* **Future Developers** can understand the code and its purpose without context switching.
+* **The Product** is measurably better.
+
+---
+
+# 2. Pull Request (PR) Template
+
+## Description & Purpose
+Please explain the feature and how it furthers the product (technical or business value).
+
+## Changes Made
+High-level summary of technical changes.
+
+## Related Issues
+## Testing Instructions
+Step-by-step instructions for the reviewer to verify the work.
+
+---
+
+# 3. Ready-to-Merge Checklist
+Please review your own work and check the following boxes before requesting a review.
+
+### Code Quality
+- [ ] Clean Code
+- [ ] Clarity
+
+### Testing
+- [ ] Coverage
+- [ ] Passes
+- [ ] Verified
+
+### Documentation
+- [ ] Docs
+- [ ] Context