| name | ctx-brainstorm |
| description | Design before implementation. Use before any creative or constructive work (features, architecture, behavior changes) to transform vague ideas into validated designs. |
Transform raw ideas into clear, validated designs through
structured dialogue before any implementation begins.
Before Brainstorming
- Check if design is needed: is the change complex enough
to warrant a design phase, or is the solution already clear?
- Review prior art: check
.context/DECISIONS.md for
related past decisions; do not re-litigate settled choices
- Identify what exists: read relevant code and docs before
asking questions; do not ask the user things the codebase
already answers
When to Use
- Before implementing a new feature
- Before architectural changes
- Before significant behavior modifications
- When an idea is vague and needs shaping
When NOT to Use
- Bug fixes with clear solutions
- Routine maintenance tasks
- When requirements are already well-defined
- Small, isolated changes (just do them)
- When the user explicitly wants to jump straight to code
Usage Examples
/ctx-brainstorm
/ctx-brainstorm (new caching layer for the API)
/ctx-brainstorm (should we split the monolith?)
Operating Mode
Design facilitator, not builder.
- No implementation while brainstorming
- No speculative features
- No silent assumptions
- No skipping ahead
Slow down just enough to get it right.
The Process
1. Understand Current Context
Before asking questions: