diff --git a/.github/pull_request_template.md b/.github/pull_request_template.md
index 773e4cc871..37d896381d 100644
--- a/.github/pull_request_template.md
+++ b/.github/pull_request_template.md
@@ -1,41 +1,42 @@
-## TLDR
+## Summary
 
-<!-- Add a brief description of what this pull request changes and why and any important things for reviewers to look at -->
+<!-- Concisely describe what this PR changes and why. Focus on impact and
+urgency. -->
 
-## Dive Deeper
+## Details
 
-<!-- more thoughts and in-depth discussion here -->
+<!-- Add any extra context and design decisions. Keep it brief but complete. -->
 
-## Reviewer Test Plan
+## Related Issues
 
-<!-- when a person reviews your code they should ideally be pulling and running that code. How would they validate your change works and if relevant what are some good classes of example prompts and ways they can exercise your changes -->
+<!-- Use keywords to auto-close issues (Closes #123, Fixes #456). If this PR is
+only related to an issue or is a partial fix, simply reference the issue number
+without a keyword (Related to #123). -->
 
-## Testing Matrix
+## How to Validate
 
-<!-- Before submitting please validate your changes on as many of these options as possible -->
+<!-- List exact steps for reviewers to validate the change. Include commands,
+expected results, and edge cases. -->
 
-|          | 🍏  | 🪟  | 🐧  |
-| -------- | --- | --- | --- |
-| npm run  | ❓  | ❓  | ❓  |
-| npx      | ❓  | ❓  | ❓  |
-| Docker   | ❓  | ❓  | ❓  |
-| Podman   | ❓  | -   | -   |
-| Seatbelt | ❓  | -   | -   |
+## Pre-Merge Checklist
 
-## Linked issues / bugs
+<!-- Check all that apply before requesting review or merging. -->
 
-<!--
-Link to any related issues or bugs.
-
-**If this PR fully resolves the issue, use one of the following keywords to automatically close the issue when this PR is merged:**
-
-- Closes #<issue_number>
-- Fixes #<issue_number>
-- Resolves #<issue_number>
-
-*Example: `Resolves #123`*
-
-**If this PR is only related to an issue or is a partial fix, simply reference the issue number without a keyword:**
-
-*Example: `This PR makes progress on #456` or `Related to #789`*
--->
+- [ ] Updated relevant documentation and README (if needed)
+- [ ] Added/updated tests (if needed)
+- [ ] Noted breaking changes (if any)
+- [ ] Validated on required platforms/methods:
+  - [ ] MacOS
+    - [ ] npm run
+    - [ ] npx
+    - [ ] Docker
+    - [ ] Podman
+    - [ ] Seatbelt
+  - [ ] Windows
+    - [ ] npm run
+    - [ ] npx
+    - [ ] Docker
+  - [ ] Linux
+    - [ ] npm run
+    - [ ] npx
+    - [ ] Docker