# Brainstorm

> Generate 3 materially different implementation options with trade-offs before coding, using project-specific brainstorm overrides when available.

- Skill: `aksoftcode/brainstorm` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add aksoftcode/brainstorm`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/aksoftcode/brainstorm/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: AKSoftCode (https://skillmd.com/u/aksoftcode)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/aksoftcode/brainstorm

---


# Brainstorm (Codex)

Use this skill when the user asks to brainstorm, compare approaches, or resolve design decisions before implementation.

## Default output

Caveman/lean style by default. See `~/Agents/agents/caveman.md` and `~/Agents/agents/context-economy.md`. `/normal` or `/lean off` restores verbose.

## Lookup order

Before generating options, check for project-specific guidance in this order:

1. `.ai/skills/agents/brainstorm.md`
2. `AGENTS.md`
3. `~/Agents/agents/brainstorm.md`

If a project override exists, follow it.
If not, use the default workflow below.

## Default workflow

1. Restate the problem in one sentence.
2. Identify the key decisions that must be resolved before coding.
3. Generate exactly 3 materially different options.
4. For each option, evaluate:
   - Complexity
   - Risk
   - Reversibility
   - Test surface
   - Prior art in the codebase
5. Recommend one option with a short rationale.
6. Ask the user to choose or modify an option before proceeding.

## Guardrails

- Do not invent domain rules, contracts, or constraints.
- Tie non-obvious claims to code or docs when possible.
- Prefer the smallest, most testable, most reversible option.
- Flag options that weaken validation, auditability, or traceability.

## Output format

```md
BRAINSTORM:

Problem statement:

DECISIONS TO RESOLVE BEFORE CODING:
1. ...
2. ...
3. ...

OPTION A — ...
OPTION B — ...
OPTION C — ...

RECOMMENDATION:

OPEN QUESTIONS:
- ...
```