claudekit/.claude/commands/brainstorm.md

/brainstorm - Interactive Design Session

Purpose

Start an interactive brainstorming session using the one-question-at-a-time methodology. Refine rough ideas into fully-formed designs through collaborative dialogue.

Usage

/brainstorm [topic or feature to design]

Arguments

• $ARGUMENTS: The topic, feature, or problem to brainstorm about

---

Start interactive brainstorming session for: $ARGUMENTS

Methodology

Reference: .claude/skills/methodology/brainstorming/SKILL.md

This command uses the superpowers brainstorming methodology for optimal results.

Workflow

Phase 1: Understanding

Goal: Clarify requirements through sequential questioning.

Rules:

1. Ask ONE question per message
2. Wait for user response before next question
3. Prefer multiple-choice over open-ended questions
4. Break complex topics into multiple questions

Example interaction:

Claude: "What type of authentication should we support?
         a) Username/password only
         b) OAuth providers (Google, GitHub)
         c) Both options
         d) Magic link (passwordless)"

User: "b"

Claude: "Which OAuth providers should we integrate?
         a) Google only
         b) GitHub only
         c) Both Google and GitHub
         d) Let me specify others..."

Phase 2: Exploration

Goal: Present alternatives with clear trade-offs.

Present 2-3 approaches:

• Lead with recommended option
• Explain trade-offs for each
• Let user choose direction

## Approach 1: JWT-based (Recommended)
- Stateless, scalable
- Cons: Can't revoke instantly

## Approach 2: Session-based
- Easy revocation
- Cons: Requires session store

Which approach aligns better with your goals?

Phase 3: Design Presentation

Goal: Present validated design incrementally.

Rules:

• Break into 200-300 word sections
• Validate after each section
• Cover: architecture, components, data flow, error handling, testing

Sections to present:

1. Architecture overview
2. Component breakdown
3. Data flow
4. Error handling
5. Testing considerations

Core Principles

YAGNI Ruthlessly

Remove unnecessary features aggressively:

• Question every "nice to have"
• Start with minimal viable design
• "We might need this later" = remove it

One Question at a Time

Sequential questioning produces better results:

• Gives user time to think deeply
• Prevents overwhelming with choices
• Creates natural conversation flow

Multiple-Choice Preference

When possible, provide structured options:

• Reduces cognitive load
• Surfaces your understanding
• Makes decisions concrete

Output

After design is validated, create design document:

# Design: [Feature Name]
Date: [YYYY-MM-DD]

## Summary
[2-3 sentences]

## Architecture
[Architecture decisions]

## Components
[Component breakdown]

## Data Flow
[How data moves through system]

## Error Handling
[Error scenarios and handling]

## Testing Strategy
[Testing approach]

## Open Questions
[Any remaining unknowns]

Next Steps After Brainstorming

After design is complete:

1. Commit design document to version control
2. Use /plan --detailed for implementation planning
3. Use /execute-plan for automated implementation

Flags

Flag	Description	Example
--mode=[mode]	Use specific behavioral mode	--mode=brainstorm
--depth=[1-5]	Exploration depth level	--depth=4
--format=[fmt]	Output format (concise/detailed)	--format=detailed
--save=[path]	Save design document to file	--save=docs/design.md
--quick	Shorter session, fewer questions	--quick
--comprehensive	Longer session, thorough exploration	--comprehensive

Flag Usage Examples

/brainstorm --comprehensive "authentication system design"
/brainstorm --save=docs/payment-design.md "payment integration"
/brainstorm --quick "simple file upload feature"
/brainstorm --depth=5 "microservices architecture"

Session Depth

Level	Questions	Exploration
1	2-3	Quick validation only
2	4-5	Standard session
3	6-8	Thorough exploration
4	8-10	Comprehensive
5	10+	Exhaustive, all angles

MCP Integration

This command leverages MCP servers for enhanced brainstorming:

Sequential Thinking - Structured Exploration (Primary)

ALWAYS use Sequential Thinking for brainstorming:
- Explore design options systematically
- Track pros/cons for each approach
- Revise conclusions based on user feedback
- Build confidence in final design incrementally

Memory - Design Persistence

Store design decisions for continuity:
- Create entities for design concepts
- Store user preferences and constraints
- Recall previous design patterns
- Build knowledge graph of architecture decisions

Context7 - Technology Options

When exploring technology choices:
- Fetch current documentation for options
- Compare library capabilities accurately
- Understand trade-offs with real data

When NOT to Use

• Clear "mechanical" processes with known implementation
• Simple bug fixes with obvious solutions
• Tasks with explicit requirements already defined

Use direct implementation instead.