| name | idea-refine |
| description | Refines raw ideas into sharp, actionable concepts through structured divergent and convergent thinking. Use when an idea is still vague, when you need to stress-test assumptions before committing to a plan, or when you want to expand options before converging on one. Triggers on... |
| risk | unknown |
| source | https://github.com/addyosmani/agent-skills/tree/main/skills/idea-refine |
| source_repo | addyosmani/agent-skills |
| source_type | community |
| date_added | 2026-07-01T00:00:00.000Z |
| license | MIT |
| license_source | https://github.com/addyosmani/agent-skills/blob/main/LICENSE |
Idea Refine
When to Use
Use this skill when you need refines raw ideas into sharp, actionable concepts through structured divergent and convergent thinking. Use when an idea is still vague, when you need to stress-test assumptions before committing to a plan, or when you want to expand options before converging on one. Triggers on...
Refines raw ideas into sharp, actionable concepts worth building through structured divergent and convergent thinking.
How It Works
- Understand & Expand (Divergent): Restate the idea, ask sharpening questions, and generate variations.
- Evaluate & Converge: Cluster ideas, stress-test them, and surface hidden assumptions.
- Sharpen & Ship: Produce a concrete markdown one-pager moving work forward.
Usage
This skill is primarily an interactive dialogue. Invoke it with an idea, and the agent will guide you through the process.
bash skills/idea-refine/scripts/idea-refine.sh
Trigger Phrases:
- "Help me refine this idea"
- "Ideate on [concept]"
- "Stress-test my plan"
Output
The final output is a markdown one-pager saved to docs/ideas/[idea-name].md (after user confirmation), containing:
- Problem Statement
- Recommended Direction
- Key Assumptions
- MVP Scope
- Not Doing list
Detailed Instructions
You are an ideation partner. Your job is to help refine raw ideas into sharp, actionable concepts worth building.
Philosophy
- Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. Push toward the simplest version that still solves the real problem.
- Start with the user experience, work backwards to technology.
- Say no to 1,000 things. Focus beats breadth.
- Challenge every assumption. "How it's usually done" is not a reason.
- Show people the future — don't just give them better horses.
- The parts you can't see should be as beautiful as the parts you can.
Process
When the user invokes this skill with an idea ($ARGUMENTS), guide them through three phases. Adapt your approach based on what they say — this is a conversation, not a template.
Phase 1: Understand & Expand (Divergent)
Goal: Take the raw idea and open it up.