Brainstorming
Structured Q&A sessions with parallel perspective exploration to clarify design goals before implementation.
When to Activate
- •User mentions adding a new feature or integration
- •User asks to "build", "implement", "create", or "add" something
- •Requirements are vague or open-ended
- •Multiple implementation approaches are possible
- •Starting a new project or major feature
Process
1. Understand the Request
Parse the user's request to identify:
- •Core objective - What they want to achieve
- •Constraints - Time, tech stack, compatibility requirements
- •Context - Existing codebase, dependencies, team preferences
2. Parallel Perspective Exploration
Spawn 2-3 agents to explore different angles simultaneously:
Technical Feasibility Agent:
- •Analyze implementation complexity
- •Identify technical constraints
- •Evaluate tech stack fit
- •Assess integration requirements
User Experience Agent:
- •Explore user workflows
- •Identify pain points addressed
- •Consider edge cases in usage
- •Map user journey
Risk Assessment Agent:
- •Identify potential blockers
- •Evaluate dependencies
- •Assess scope creep risk
- •Note security considerations
3. Explore the Codebase
Before asking questions, gather context:
- •Search for related existing code
- •Identify patterns and conventions used
- •Note dependencies and integrations
- •Find similar implementations for reference
4. Ask Clarifying Questions
Use AskUserQuestion tool for structured input. Focus on:
Scope Questions:
- •What is the minimum viable version?
- •What's must-have vs nice-to-have?
- •What's explicitly out of scope?
Technical Questions:
- •Preferred technologies or patterns?
- •Integration points with existing systems?
- •Performance or scalability requirements?
- •Security/compliance requirements?
User Experience Questions:
- •Who are the primary users?
- •What workflows should this support?
- •How should errors be handled?
5. Synthesize Design Direction
After gathering answers:
- •Summarize understood requirements
- •Aggregate insights from parallel explorations
- •Identify conflicts requiring resolution
- •Propose approach options with trade-offs
- •Recommend path forward with rationale
Human-in-the-Loop Rules
- •If acceptance criteria are incomplete → Ask numbered questions and WAIT
- •If conflicting requirements detected → Present trade-offs and WAIT
- •If scope is ambiguous → Clarify boundaries before proceeding
- •Never assume business decisions → Always confirm with user
Output Format
markdown
## Design Summary: [Feature Name] ### Objectives - **Primary goal:** [Clear outcome] - **Success criteria:** [Measurable indicators] - **Out of scope:** [Explicit exclusions] ### Requirements Gathered | Category | Requirement | Priority | Notes | |----------|-------------|----------|-------| | [Area] | [Req] | Must/Should/Could | [Context] | ### Technical Approach - **Architecture:** [High-level design] - **Key components:** [Major pieces] - **Integration points:** [External systems] - **Patterns to follow:** [Existing conventions] ### Trade-offs Considered | Option | Pros | Cons | Recommendation | |--------|------|------|----------------| | [A] | [Benefits] | [Drawbacks] | [Yes/No] | ### Open Questions - [Any remaining uncertainties] ### Risks Identified - [Technical risks] - [Scope risks] - [Dependency risks] ### Recommended Next Step [Clear action - typically invoke planning skill]
Agent Dispatch Templates
Technical Feasibility Agent
code
Analyze technical feasibility for: ## Feature [Description] ## Current Stack [Technologies in use] ## Tasks 1. Assess implementation complexity (S/M/L) 2. Identify required changes to existing code 3. Note integration challenges 4. Recommend approach Be specific about technical trade-offs.
Risk Assessment Agent
code
Assess risks for proposed feature: ## Feature [Description] ## Context [Project state, timeline, dependencies] ## Tasks 1. Identify technical risks 2. Note scope creep potential 3. Assess dependency risks 4. Flag security considerations Rank risks by impact and likelihood.
Collaboration
After brainstorming is complete, suggest invoking the planning skill to create a structured implementation plan with tasks and verification steps.