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name: brainstorming description: Transform rough ideas into solid designs through structured questioning version: 1.0.0 author: Ariff when_to_use: Before any feature implementation, when user describes an idea

Brainstorming → Design

Purpose

Turn vague ideas into actionable designs through Socratic questioning.

"I'm using the Brainstorming skill to refine your idea into a design."

The Flow

[Idea] → Phase 1: Understand → Phase 2: Explore → Phase 3: Design → [Plan]

Phase 1: Understanding (Ask Questions)

One question at a time. Prefer multiple choice.

Questions to ask:

• What problem does this solve?
• Who's the user?
• What's success look like?
• Any constraints (time, tech, integrations)?
• What's already built that this touches?

Before asking: Check working directory for existing context.

Phase 2: Exploration (Present Options)

Present 2-3 approaches:

### Approach A: [Name]
- Architecture: [how it works]
- Pros: [benefits]
- Cons: [tradeoffs]
- Complexity: [low/medium/high]

### Approach B: [Name]
...

Ask: "Which approach resonates? Or should we explore others?"

Phase 3: Design (Incremental)

Present design in 200-300 word chunks:

1. Architecture overview
2. Key components
3. Data flow
4. Error handling
5. Testing strategy

After each chunk: "Does this look right?"

Phase 4: Handoff

When design approved:

"Ready to create the implementation plan?"

If yes → Use writing-plans skill

Going Backwards

It's okay to revisit earlier phases:

• New constraint discovered → Back to Phase 1
• Design doesn't feel right → Back to Phase 2
• Missing requirements → Back to Phase 1

Don't force linear progress.

Principles

• YAGNI - Don't design what's not needed
• Explore alternatives - Never settle on first idea
• Validate incrementally - Small chunks, frequent feedback
• Document decisions - Why, not just what