Brainstorm

Structured workflow for exploring ideas, evaluating trade-offs, and reaching decisions before committing to implementation.

When This Skill Activates

• Exploring multiple approaches to a problem
• Evaluating architecture or design options
• Creative problem-solving sessions
• When "I'm not sure how to approach this"
• Before starting complex features

Brainstorm Protocol

Phase 1: Diverge (Generate Options)

Generate multiple approaches without judgment:

## Options

### Option A: [Name]
- **Approach**: [Brief description]
- **Pros**: [Benefits]
- **Cons**: [Drawbacks]

### Option B: [Name]
- **Approach**: [Brief description]
- **Pros**: [Benefits]
- **Cons**: [Drawbacks]

### Option C: [Name]
- **Approach**: [Brief description]
- **Pros**: [Benefits]
- **Cons**: [Drawbacks]

Rules for divergence:

• Aim for 3-5 distinct options
• Include at least one unconventional approach
• No filtering yet - capture all ideas
• Brief descriptions only

Phase 2: Analyze (Evaluate Trade-offs)

Compare options against criteria:

## Analysis

| Criteria | Option A | Option B | Option C |
|----------|----------|----------|----------|
| Complexity | Low | Medium | High |
| Time to implement | Fast | Medium | Slow |
| Maintainability | Good | Good | Poor |
| Fits existing patterns | Yes | Partial | No |
| Risk | Low | Medium | High |

Common criteria:

• Implementation complexity
• Performance implications
• Maintainability
• Security considerations
• Alignment with existing patterns

Phase 3: Converge (Decide)

Make a recommendation:

## Recommendation

**Selected**: Option [X]

**Rationale**: [Why this option best balances the trade-offs]

**Risks to monitor**: [What could go wrong]

**Next steps**:
1. [First action]
2. [Second action]

Quick Brainstorm (5-minute version)

For smaller decisions:

## Quick Decision: [Topic]

**Options**: A) [option] | B) [option] | C) [option]

**Pick**: [Choice] because [one-line rationale]

When to Skip Brainstorming

• Clear requirements with obvious solution
• Bug fixes with known cause
• Following established patterns
• User has already decided approach

Output Formats

Scenario	Format
Architecture decision	Full 3-phase + ADR
Feature approach	Full 3-phase
Implementation detail	Quick brainstorm
Naming/style choice	Quick brainstorm

Anti-Patterns

• Analysis paralysis - set time limit
• Premature convergence - explore before deciding
• Skipping trade-off analysis
• Not documenting the decision rationale