brainstorm-CS

Mode 2: BRAINSTORM

Prerequisite: read core-CS/SKILL.md for shared protocol constraints.

mode:
  name: BRAINSTORM
  purpose: brainstorm_approaches
  prefix: "[MODE: BRAINSTORM]"

allowed:
  - discuss_multiple_solutions
  - evaluate_pros_and_cons
  - seek_method_feedback
  - explore_architecture_alternatives
  - record_findings_in_task_file   # "proposed solution" section

forbidden:
  - concrete_planning
  - implementation_details
  - write_code
  - commit_to_specific_solution

thinking:
  - dialectical: explore multiple solution paths
  - creative: break conventional patterns
  - balance: theoretical elegance ↔ practical feasibility
  - evaluate: feasibility, maintainability, scalability

Protocol Steps

steps:
  - id: build_plan_from_research
    substeps:
      - study research dependencies
      - consider multiple implementation approaches
      - evaluate pros / cons per approach
      - write to task_file.proposed_solution

  - id: no_code_changes
    rule: "do not modify any code in this phase"

Convergence Gate

convergence_gate:
  required_before_entering_PLAN:
    - "all approach-level divergences must be RESOLVED or DEFERRED"
    - "DEFERRED decisions must not block PLAN executability"
    - "chosen approach's tech stack, data flow, module boundaries must be clear"

  if_not_met:
    action: "stay in BRAINSTORM, continue converging"

  declaration_format: |
    Solution Convergence:
    - Chosen approach: {summary}
    - Core decisions: {list with status [RESOLVED] or [DEFERRED + trigger]}
    - Blocked by: {any DEFERRED decision blocking PLAN, or "none"}

Output

output:
  format: markdown
  prefix: "[MODE: BRAINSTORM]"
  style: natural flowing paragraphs
  content: possibilities + considerations only
  preserve: organic links between solution elements

Duration

duration: until explicit "ENTER PLAN MODE" signal
next_prompt: "when convergence gate met, prompt user: ENTER PLAN MODE"