Files
claude-engineering-plugin/plugins/compound-engineering/commands/workflows/brainstorm.md
Trevin Chow cc905c7b9a feat: Add /workflows:brainstorm command and skill (#101)
* feat(workflows:plan): Add smart research decision logic

Previously, /workflows:plan always ran all 3 research agents (repo-research,
best-practices, framework-docs) regardless of task complexity. This wasted
tokens and time for simple tasks like UI tweaks or bug fixes with clear causes.

Now the workflow:
- Always runs repo research first (fast, local)
- Makes an informed decision about external research based on:
  - Signals gathered during idea refinement (familiarity, intent, risk)
  - Repo research findings (existing patterns, CLAUDE.md guidance)
- High-risk topics (security, payments, external APIs) always trigger research
- Strong local context allows skipping external research
- Announces the decision and proceeds, user can redirect if needed

This makes the planning workflow smarter about when web research adds value.

* feat: Add /workflows:brainstorm command and skill

Add brainstorming workflow to explore requirements and approaches
before planning implementation:

- New `/workflows:brainstorm` command for collaborative dialogue
- New `brainstorming` skill with process knowledge and techniques
- Update `/workflows:plan` to detect brainstorm output and skip
  idea refinement when relevant brainstorm exists
- Add brainstorm to README workflow commands table

The brainstorm → plan flow enables:
- Phase 0: Assess requirement clarity
- Phase 1: Understand the idea via repo research + dialogue
- Phase 2: Explore 2-3 approaches with trade-offs
- Phase 3: Capture design to docs/brainstorms/
- Phase 4: Handoff to /workflows:plan
2026-01-21 17:24:10 -06:00

3.7 KiB

name, description, argument-hint
name description argument-hint
workflows:brainstorm Explore requirements and approaches through collaborative dialogue before planning implementation [feature idea or problem to explore]

Brainstorm a Feature or Improvement

Note: The current year is 2026. Use this when dating brainstorm documents.

Brainstorming helps answer WHAT to build through collaborative dialogue. It precedes /workflows:plan, which answers HOW to build it.

Process knowledge: Load the brainstorming skill for detailed question techniques, approach exploration patterns, and YAGNI principles.

Feature Description

<feature_description> #$ARGUMENTS </feature_description>

If the feature description above is empty, ask the user: "What would you like to explore? Please describe the feature, problem, or improvement you're thinking about."

Do not proceed until you have a feature description from the user.

Execution Flow

Phase 0: Assess Requirements Clarity

Evaluate whether brainstorming is needed based on the feature description.

Clear requirements indicators:

  • Specific acceptance criteria provided
  • Referenced existing patterns to follow
  • Described exact expected behavior
  • Constrained, well-defined scope

If requirements are already clear: Use AskUserQuestion tool to suggest: "Your requirements seem detailed enough to proceed directly to planning. Should I run /workflows:plan instead, or would you like to explore the idea further?"

Phase 1: Understand the Idea

1.1 Repository Research (Lightweight)

Run a quick repo scan to understand existing patterns:

  • Task repo-research-analyst("Understand existing patterns related to: <feature_description>")

Focus on: similar features, established patterns, CLAUDE.md guidance.

1.2 Collaborative Dialogue

Use the AskUserQuestion tool to ask questions one at a time.

Guidelines (see brainstorming skill for detailed techniques):

  • Prefer multiple choice when natural options exist
  • Start broad (purpose, users) then narrow (constraints, edge cases)
  • Validate assumptions explicitly
  • Ask about success criteria

Exit condition: Continue until the idea is clear OR user says "proceed"

Phase 2: Explore Approaches

Propose 2-3 concrete approaches based on research and conversation.

For each approach, provide:

  • Brief description (2-3 sentences)
  • Pros and cons
  • When it's best suited

Lead with your recommendation and explain why. Apply YAGNI—prefer simpler solutions.

Use AskUserQuestion tool to ask which approach the user prefers.

Phase 3: Capture the Design

Write a brainstorm document to docs/brainstorms/YYYY-MM-DD-<topic>.md.

Document structure: See the brainstorming skill for the template format. Key sections: What We're Building, Why This Approach, Key Decisions, Open Questions.

Ensure docs/brainstorms/ directory exists before writing.

Phase 4: Handoff

Use AskUserQuestion tool to present next steps:

Question: "Brainstorm captured. What would you like to do next?"

Options:

  1. Proceed to planning - Run /workflows:plan (will auto-detect this brainstorm)
  2. Refine design further - Continue exploring
  3. Done for now - Return later

Output Summary

When complete, display:

Brainstorm complete!

Document: docs/brainstorms/YYYY-MM-DD-<topic>.md

Key decisions:
- [Decision 1]
- [Decision 2]

Next: Run `/workflows:plan` when ready to implement.

Important Guidelines

  • Stay focused on WHAT, not HOW - Implementation details belong in the plan
  • Ask one question at a time - Don't overwhelm
  • Apply YAGNI - Prefer simpler approaches
  • Keep outputs concise - 200-300 words per section max

NEVER CODE! Just explore and document decisions.