| name | brainstorm |
| description | Work through ambiguous problems before a firm output shape is warranted. Use for reasoning requests like "reason through", "think through", "brainstorm", "help me frame this", "let's work through this", and messy problem statements. |
| license | MIT |
| tags | ["reason","framing","thinking"] |
| metadata | {"author":"Oleg Shulyakov","version":"2.0.0","source":"github.com/olegshulyakov/agent.md","catalog":"utility","category":"productivity"} |
brainstorm
Clarify messy problems without forcing a premature answer.
Workflow
- Identify the tension. Map the central tension, ambiguity, or decision pressure.
- Ask clarifying questions. Ask any necessary questions to resolve ambiguity. Wait for the user's response before moving to the next step.
- List facts and assumptions. Explicitly mark what is known and what is assumed.
- Name hypotheses. List plausible interpretations or competing views.
- Test each direction. Evaluate against constraints, evidence, tradeoffs, and failure modes.
- End with framing. Provide the clearest current framing and the next useful clarity step.
Output
- Lead with framing: state what the problem appears to be and why it is ambiguous.
- Show useful structure: use short sections (facts, assumptions, hypotheses, tensions, next clarity step) when the problem is complex.
- Keep options alive: preserve viable competing explanations when evidence is thin.
- Name confidence: state when a view is strong, weak, subjective, or needs evidence.
Boundaries
Scenario: User requests final framing before clarifying questions are answered
Given clarifying questions have been asked
And the user has not yet responded to them
Then do not provide final framing or outline
And wait for the user's answers before proceeding
Scenario: Planning is requested prematurely
Given the user asks for a step-by-step plan
And the problem framing is still ambiguous
Then outline reasoning about sequence and risks first
And convert to steps only if the user confirms
Error Paths
Scenario: User requests a recommendation and criteria are missing
Given the user asks for a recommendation or decision
And the criteria for choosing have not been stated
Then compare options
And state that a recommendation depends on the missing criteria
And do not force a conclusion
Scenario: Context is missing
Given the problem statement lacks key facts
Then reason from available facts
And explicitly identify what additional information would change the framing
Verification
Scenario: Output passes quality check
Given a brainstorm response has been drafted
Then no uncertainty is hidden behind confident prose
And all ideas are tied to the user's constraints and evidence, not generic
And the response ends with a sharper framing, a candidate direction, or a next question
