Brainstorming
Language Configuration
Before generating any content, check aico.json in project root for language field to determine the output language. If not set, default to English.
Process
- •Check context: Scan
docs/reference/pm/for existing product context - •Understand problem: Ask clarifying questions one at a time
- •Explore alternatives: Propose 2-3 approaches with trade-offs
- •Validate concept: Present ideas in small sections (200-300 words), confirm each
- •Document outcome: Save validated concept for next steps
Core Pattern
| Phase | Action | Output |
|---|---|---|
| Understand | Ask clarifying questions one at a time | Problem statement |
| Explore | Propose 2-3 approaches with trade-offs | Selected approach |
| Validate | Present concept in small sections | Validated concept |
Key Rules
- •ALWAYS ask ONE question per message - never overwhelm with multiple questions
- •MUST prefer multiple choice over open-ended questions when possible
- •ALWAYS explore 2-3 alternative approaches before settling on one
- •Present ideas incrementally in 200-300 word sections, confirm each before continuing
Question Examples
- •"What problem are you trying to solve for users?"
- •"Who is the primary user for this feature?"
- •"What does success look like? (A) metric improvement (B) user satisfaction (C) both"
Common Mistakes
- •❌ Ask multiple questions at once → ✅ One question per message
- •❌ Jump to solutions immediately → ✅ Understand problem first
- •❌ Skip alternatives → ✅ Always explore 2-3 approaches
Iron Law
NO IMPLEMENTATION DISCUSSION DURING BRAINSTORMING
This rule is non-negotiable. During brainstorming:
- •Focus only on WHAT, never HOW
- •No code, no architecture, no technical details
- •Capture all ideas without judgment
- •Defer feasibility analysis to later phases
Rationalization Defense
| Excuse | Reality |
|---|---|
| "I already know what to build" | Unvalidated assumptions cause 3x rework |
| "Let's save time and discuss implementation" | Premature optimization kills innovation |
| "The solution is obvious" | Obvious solutions often miss edge cases |
| "We don't have time for this" | 1 hour of brainstorming saves 3 days of rework |