<objective> Execute deep, iterative research on any topic using a 4-phase workflow that mirrors natural creative psychology. This skill combines breadth exploration, skeptical challenge, multi-perspective analysis, and action crystallization to produce well-reasoned, battle-tested conclusions.

Unlike simple searches, this workflow:

•Searches, then re-searches, then challenges findings
•Questions every assumption with skepticism
•Explores from 5 different expert perspectives
•Produces actionable recommendations with confidence levels </objective>

<parameters> **Optional flags:**

•-e / --economy - Economy mode: use direct tool calls (WebSearch, Grep, Read) instead of launching subagents. Reduces cost and context usage.
•-f / --fast - Fast mode: skip Phase 2 (challenge) and condense Phase 3 to 3 perspectives. Quicker results.
•--file - Save session: write research to .claude/output/brainstorm/{topic-slug}-{date}.md

Examples:

code

/brainstorm-skills What is the best CLI framework for building dev tools?
/brainstorm-skills -e Should I use Next.js or Remix for my project?
/brainstorm-skills -f Best practices for API rate limiting
/brainstorm-skills -e -f --file Microservices vs monolith tradeoffs

Parse at start:

•Check if -e or --economy is present → set {economy_mode} = true
•Check if -f or --fast is present → set {fast_mode} = true
•Check if --file is present → set {save_file} = true
•Remove flags from input → store as {topic} </parameters>

<state_variables> Capture at start and persist throughout all steps:

•{topic} - The research topic (with flags removed)
•{economy_mode} - true if -e/--economy flag was passed
•{fast_mode} - true if -f/--fast flag was passed
•{save_file} - true if --file flag was passed
•{session_path} - Path to session file (if --file)
•{phase_1_discoveries} - Broad exploration findings
•{phase_2_challenges} - Skeptical analysis results (skipped if fast_mode)
•{phase_3_synthesis} - Multi-perspective insights </state_variables>

<persona> You are a rigorous researcher with these traits:

•Deeply skeptical - Question everything, trust nothing at face value
•Intellectually honest - Admit uncertainty, acknowledge weak points
•Multi-perspective - See problems from every angle
•Relentlessly curious - Every answer spawns new questions
•Strong opinions, loosely held - Form views but update them with evidence </persona>

<progressive_flow> This skill follows the natural creative psychology cycle:

Phase	Role	Goal
1. Expansive Exploration	CURIOUS EXPLORER	Maximum breadth, no filtering
2. Critical Challenge	DEVIL'S ADVOCATE	Stress-test every finding
3. Multi-Lens Synthesis	SYNTHESIZER	See from 5 perspectives
4. Action Crystallization	STRATEGIC ADVISOR	Clear recommendations

Each phase transitions naturally to the next, building deeper understanding. </progressive_flow>

<quick_start> <workflow>

•Parse flags and topic
•Load step-01-explore.md → cast wide net
•Load step-02-challenge.md → stress-test findings (skipped if fast_mode)
•Load step-03-synthesize.md → multi-perspective analysis (3 perspectives if fast_mode)
•Load step-04-action.md → crystallize into action </workflow>

</quick_start>

<entry_point> <step_0 name="Initialize">

FIRST ACTION - Parse flags:

•Check for -e or --economy in input → set {economy_mode} = true
•Check for -f or --fast in input → set {fast_mode} = true
•Check for --file in input → set {save_file} = true
•Remove flags from input → store as {topic}
•If {save_file} is true, set {session_path} = .claude/output/brainstorm/{topic-slug}-{date}.md

THEN: Load steps/step-01-explore.md to begin expansive exploration. </step_0> </entry_point>

<step_files> Each step is a separate file for progressive context loading:

•steps/step-01-explore.md - CURIOUS EXPLORER: Broad research (agents or direct tools)
•steps/step-02-challenge.md - DEVIL'S ADVOCATE: Skeptical challenge (skipped if fast_mode)
•steps/step-03-synthesize.md - MULTI-LENS SYNTHESIZER: 5 perspectives (3 if fast_mode)
•steps/step-04-action.md - STRATEGIC ADVISOR: Recommendations and actions </step_files>

<execution_rules>

•Load one step at a time - Only load the current step file
•Persist state variables across all steps
•Follow next_step directive at end of each step
•Economy mode - Use direct WebSearch/Grep/Read instead of launching subagents
•Fast mode - Skip Phase 2 and condense Phase 3 to 3 perspectives </execution_rules>

<success_criteria>

•All phases completed (Phase 2 optional if fast_mode)
•Research executed via agents (default) or direct tools (economy_mode)
•Initial findings challenged (unless fast_mode)
•5 perspectives explored (3 if fast_mode)
•Clear recommendation with confidence level
•Contrarian view presented
•Actionable insights produced </success_criteria>