# Idea Refine

> Refine vague ideas through structured divergent and convergent thinking before committing to a direction. Use when the user has a rough concept, is exploring options, or when requirements are still fuzzy.

- Skill: `itsual/idea-refine` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add itsual/idea-refine`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/itsual/idea-refine/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: itsual (https://skillmd.com/u/itsual)
- Updated: 2026-09-21
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/itsual/idea-refine

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# Idea Refine

## Overview

Jumping straight to implementation on a half-formed idea is a common source of waste. Spend a short, structured period expanding and then focusing the idea.

## When to Use

- Early-stage feature or product ideas
- When the request is ambiguous or open-ended
- Before writing a full spec

## Process

1. **Diverge** – Generate multiple interpretations, approaches, or variations.
2. **Cluster** – Group related ideas and identify themes.
3. **Converge** – Select the most promising direction based on goals, constraints, and impact.
4. **Frame** – Turn the chosen direction into a clear problem statement and success criteria.
5. Hand off to `spec-driven-development` or `planning-and-task-breakdown`.

## Principles

- Separate idea generation from evaluation
- Make constraints explicit early
- Prefer directions that are testable and scoped

## Verification

- Multiple options were considered
- A clear direction and rationale exist before major implementation begins