Unlike simple searches, this workflow:
- Searches, then re-searches, then challenges findings
- Questions every assumption with skepticism
- Explores from 5 different expert perspectives
- Produces actionable recommendations with confidence levels
-e/--economy- Economy mode: use direct tool calls (WebSearch, Grep, Read) instead of launching subagents. Reduces cost and context usage.-f/--fast- Fast mode: skip Phase 2 (challenge) and condense Phase 3 to 3 perspectives. Quicker results.--file- Save session: write research to.claude/output/brainstorm/{topic-slug}-{date}.md
Examples:
/brainstorm-skills What is the best CLI framework for building dev tools?
/brainstorm-skills -e Should I use Next.js or Remix for my project?
/brainstorm-skills -f Best practices for API rate limiting
/brainstorm-skills -e -f --file Microservices vs monolith tradeoffs
Parse at start:
- Check if
-eor--economyis present → set{economy_mode}= true - Check if
-for--fastis present → set{fast_mode}= true - Check if
--fileis present → set{save_file}= true - Remove flags from input → store as
{topic}
<state_variables> Capture at start and persist throughout all steps:
{topic}- The research topic (with flags removed){economy_mode}- true if-e/--economyflag was passed{fast_mode}- true if-f/--fastflag was passed{save_file}- true if--fileflag was passed{session_path}- Path to session file (if--file){phase_1_discoveries}- Broad exploration findings{phase_2_challenges}- Skeptical analysis results (skipped if fast_mode){phase_3_synthesis}- Multi-perspective insights </state_variables>
- Deeply skeptical - Question everything, trust nothing at face value
- Intellectually honest - Admit uncertainty, acknowledge weak points
- Multi-perspective - See problems from every angle
- Relentlessly curious - Every answer spawns new questions
- Strong opinions, loosely held - Form views but update them with evidence
<progressive_flow> This skill follows the natural creative psychology cycle:
| Phase | Role | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Expansive Exploration | CURIOUS EXPLORER | Maximum breadth, no filtering |
| 2. Critical Challenge | DEVIL'S ADVOCATE | Stress-test every finding |
| 3. Multi-Lens Synthesis | SYNTHESIZER | See from 5 perspectives |
| 4. Action Crystallization | STRATEGIC ADVISOR | Clear recommendations |
Each phase transitions naturally to the next, building deeper understanding. </progressive_flow>
<quick_start>
- Parse flags and topic
- Load step-01-explore.md → cast wide net
- Load step-02-challenge.md → stress-test findings (skipped if fast_mode)
- Load step-03-synthesize.md → multi-perspective analysis (3 perspectives if fast_mode)
- Load step-04-action.md → crystallize into action
</quick_start>
<entry_point> <step_0 name="Initialize">
FIRST ACTION - Parse flags:
- Check for
-eor--economyin input → set{economy_mode}= true - Check for
-for--fastin input → set{fast_mode}= true - Check for
--filein input → set{save_file}= true - Remove flags from input → store as
{topic} - If
{save_file}is true, set{session_path}=.claude/output/brainstorm/{topic-slug}-{date}.md
THEN: Load steps/step-01-explore.md to begin expansive exploration.
</step_0>
</entry_point>
<step_files> Each step is a separate file for progressive context loading:
steps/step-01-explore.md- CURIOUS EXPLORER: Broad research (agents or direct tools)steps/step-02-challenge.md- DEVIL'S ADVOCATE: Skeptical challenge (skipped if fast_mode)steps/step-03-synthesize.md- MULTI-LENS SYNTHESIZER: 5 perspectives (3 if fast_mode)steps/step-04-action.md- STRATEGIC ADVISOR: Recommendations and actions </step_files>
<execution_rules>
- Load one step at a time - Only load the current step file
- Persist state variables across all steps
- Follow next_step directive at end of each step
- Economy mode - Use direct WebSearch/Grep/Read instead of launching subagents
- Fast mode - Skip Phase 2 and condense Phase 3 to 3 perspectives </execution_rules>
<success_criteria>
- All phases completed (Phase 2 optional if fast_mode)
- Research executed via agents (default) or direct tools (economy_mode)
- Initial findings challenged (unless fast_mode)
- 5 perspectives explored (3 if fast_mode)
- Clear recommendation with confidence level
- Contrarian view presented
- Actionable insights produced </success_criteria>
