brainstorm

Skill: Brainstorm

What This Skill Does

This skill applies structured brainstorming techniques to systematically analyze an idea for feasibility, scope, and value. It draws from the UNC Writing Center's brainstorming methodology, adapted for evaluating software and product ideas.

The skill produces a saved analysis report — not implementation. The user decides independently whether and when to act on the findings.

When to Use This Skill

Use this skill whenever the user wants to brainstorm, evaluate, or pressure-test an idea. This includes requests like:

• "Brainstorm X"
• "Is this idea worth building?"
• "Analyze whether we should do X"
• "Help me think through this idea"
• "What do you think about building X?"

Workflow

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Begin Analysis

{{- if .agent.plan_mode.enabled }} {{agent.plan_mode.enter}} immediately. The brainstorm output IS the plan. {{- else }} Begin the structured analysis. The brainstorm output will be presented for user review. {{- end }}

Step 2: Research

Before producing the brainstorm, gather relevant context:

• Codebase context: If the idea relates to the current project, explore the relevant code, architecture, and existing patterns
• Web research: Search for prior art, existing tools, competing solutions, and relevant technical concepts
• Feasibility signals: Look for libraries, APIs, or frameworks that would support or complicate the idea

Do not fabricate comparisons or claim prior art exists without verifying. If you cannot find relevant prior art, say so.

Step 3: Execute All Seven Brainstorming Phases

Work through every phase in order. Each phase builds on the previous one. Do not skip phases.

@references/freewriting.md

@references/cubing.md

@references/journalistic.md

@references/feasibility.md

@references/hypothesis.md

@references/proposals.md

@references/verdict.md

Step 4: Present the Plan