Thinking Framework v4.0 - Multi-Agent Systematic Problem-Solving
Purpose: Decompose complex problems and derive optimal solutions using structured thinking methods with multi-agent orchestration.
When to Use
- Complex problem-solving requiring systematic decomposition
- Root cause analysis (finding the "why" behind issues)
- Strategic planning (strengths/weaknesses, competitive analysis)
- Decision-making under uncertainty
- Innovation requiring creative breakthroughs
Multi-Agent Architecture (v4.0)
Agent Tiers
| Tier |
Agent |
Role |
Clear-Thought Tools |
| 1 |
Orchestrator |
Workflow coordination, complexity routing |
decisionframework, metacognitivemonitoring |
| 2 |
ProblemDefiner |
Problem clarification, decomposition |
sequentialthinking, mentalmodel |
| 2 |
MethodExecutor |
Thinking method execution |
Method-specific (see mapping) |
| 2 |
StrategyArchitect |
Strategic synthesis, action planning |
collaborativereasoning, decisionframework |
Complexity-Based Routing
| Complexity |
Indicators |
Agent Configuration |
Time |
| Simple |
Single cause, 1-2 steps, clear path |
Orchestrator only |
<30s |
| Medium |
3-5 factors, some ambiguity |
+ 1 Specialist (sequential) |
30-60s |
| Complex |
5+ factors, high interdependencies |
+ 2-3 Specialists (parallel) |
60s+ |
Clear-Thought Tool Mapping
| Method |
Primary Tool |
Secondary Tool |
| 5 Why |
sequentialthinking |
- |
| Fishbone |
collaborativereasoning |
visualreasoning |
| First Principles |
mentalmodel |
sequentialthinking |
| SWOT |
decisionframework |
- |
| OODA Loop |
scientificmethod |
sequentialthinking |
| Dialectic |
structuredargumentation |
- |
| Design Thinking |
collaborativereasoning |
mentalmodel |
| Pareto |
decisionframework |
mentalmodel |
| PDCA |
scientificmethod |
- |
| GAP Analysis |
visualreasoning |
decisionframework |
| Kepner-Tregoe |
decisionframework |
structuredargumentation |
| TRIZ |
mentalmodel |
designpattern |
| SCAMPER |
collaborativereasoning |
- |
| DMAIC |
scientificmethod |
metacognitivemonitoring |
Execution Routines
A. Divide & Conquer (Complex Only)
When: Systemic problems with 5+ interdependent factors
Agent Flow:
Orchestrator → ProblemDefiner → MethodExecutor(s) [parallel] → StrategyArchitect → Orchestrator
Process:
- Orchestrator: Assess complexity, dispatch ProblemDefiner
- ProblemDefiner: Define problem, decompose into ≤5 sub-problems
- MethodExecutor(s): Analyze sub-problems in parallel
- Each executor uses appropriate Clear-Thought tool
- StrategyArchitect: Synthesize findings, create action plan
- Orchestrator: Quality gate, final integration
Output:
## Problem Definition
[Clear statement from ProblemDefiner]
## Sub-Problem Analyses
| Sub-Problem | Method | Root Cause | Recommendation |
|-------------|--------|------------|----------------|
| SP1 | [method] | [cause] | [action] |
## Integrated Strategy
[From StrategyArchitect]
## Quality Assessment
- Confidence: [%]
- Uncertainties: [list]
## Core Insight
[One sentence]
B. Method Selection (All Cases)
When: Any problem, especially Simple-Medium complexity
Agent Flow:
- Simple: Orchestrator only (direct method application)
- Medium: Orchestrator → MethodExecutor → Orchestrator
Process:
- Classify problem type
- Select method using matching matrix
- Execute with appropriate Clear-Thought tool
- Output optimized format
Method-Problem Matching:
| Problem Type |
Methods |
Clear-Thought Tool |
| root_cause |
5 Why, Fishbone |
sequentialthinking, collaborativereasoning |
| creative_innovation |
SCAMPER, TRIZ, Design Thinking |
collaborativereasoning, mentalmodel |
| strategic_planning |
SWOT + 2x2, GAP Analysis |
decisionframework, visualreasoning |
| process_improvement |
Pareto, PDCA, GAP |
decisionframework, scientificmethod |
| decision_making |
OODA Loop, Kepner-Tregoe |
scientificmethod, decisionframework |
C. Strategy Routine (Strategic Decisions)
When: Strategic planning with strengths/weaknesses analysis
Agent Flow:
Orchestrator → ProblemDefiner → MethodExecutor (SWOT) → StrategyArchitect → Orchestrator
Process:
- Diagnose: Strengths (with evidence) + Weaknesses (root cause via 5 Why)
- Analyze: Use
decisionframework for SWOT evaluation
- Strategize: StrategyArchitect creates 2x2 matrix
- Plan: GAP Analysis → Action items
2x2 Matrix (MANDATORY):
│ Maximize Strengths │ Address Weaknesses │
───────────┼────────────────────┼────────────────────┤
High │ DO FIRST │ REMOVE RISK │
Priority │ (Invest now) │ (Critical fix) │
───────────┼────────────────────┼────────────────────┤
Low │ LONG-TERM R&D │ STRATEGIC IGNORE │
Priority │ (Future bet) │ (Accept risk) │
Core Strategy Template:
"Maximize [strength] through [method], address [weakness] via [action], to achieve [goal]."
Quality Gates
| Gate |
Stage |
Check |
Tool |
| G1 |
Problem Definition |
Clarity, specificity, boundedness |
metacognitivemonitoring |
| G2 |
Method Selection |
Problem-method fit |
decisionframework |
| G3 |
Analysis |
Depth, evidence, logic |
metacognitivemonitoring |
| G4 |
Integration |
Coherence, completeness, actionability |
metacognitivemonitoring |
Gate Protocol:
- Complex: All gates mandatory
- Medium: G2 + G4
- Simple: G4 only
Output Guidelines
Format Selection:
- Structured comparisons → Markdown tables
- Sequential processes → Numbered lists
- Problem decomposition → Mermaid diagrams
- Strategic decisions → 2x2 Matrix
Always Include:
- Complexity assessment (pre-flight)
- Method selection justification
- Confidence score
- One-sentence summary
Quick Reference
- Agent Prompts: agents/
- Method Catalog: reference/INDEX.md
- 60-sec Selector: reference/QUICK_SELECTOR.md
- Multi-Method Workflows: reference/METHOD_COMBINATIONS.md
- Agent Patterns: reference/AGENT_PATTERNS.md
- Practical Examples: GUIDE.md
Anti-Patterns
| Pattern |
Problem |
Solution |
| Over-engineering |
A Routine for simple problems |
Use complexity assessment |
| Under-analysis |
Simple method for complex problems |
Proper routing |
| Tool mismatch |
Wrong Clear-Thought tool for method |
Follow mapping table |
| Skip quality gates |
Missing validation |
Enforce gate protocol |
| Sequential when parallel |
Slow complex analysis |
Use parallel agents |
Meta
After analysis, briefly reflect:
- What worked? What could improve?
- Was method optimal? Was tool mapping effective?
- Agent coordination smooth?
1---2name: thinking-framework3description: Use this when complex problem-solving, root cause analysis, strategic decision-making, or systematic thinking is needed. Applies 15 thinking methods with multi-agent orchestration and Clear-Thought MCP integration for enhanced analysis quality.4---5
6# Thinking Framework v4.0 - Multi-Agent Systematic Problem-Solving
7
8> **Purpose**: Decompose complex problems and derive optimal solutions using structured thinking methods with multi-agent orchestration.
9
10## When to Use
11
12- **Complex problem-solving** requiring systematic decomposition
13- **Root cause analysis** (finding the "why" behind issues)
14- **Strategic planning** (strengths/weaknesses, competitive analysis)
15- **Decision-making** under uncertainty
16- **Innovation** requiring creative breakthroughs
17
18---
19
20## Multi-Agent Architecture (v4.0)
21
22### Agent Tiers
23
24| Tier | Agent | Role | Clear-Thought Tools |
25|------|-------|------|---------------------|
26| **1** | Orchestrator | Workflow coordination, complexity routing | decisionframework, metacognitivemonitoring |
27| **2** | ProblemDefiner | Problem clarification, decomposition | sequentialthinking, mentalmodel |
28| **2** | MethodExecutor | Thinking method execution | Method-specific (see mapping) |
29| **2** | StrategyArchitect | Strategic synthesis, action planning | collaborativereasoning, decisionframework |
30
31### Complexity-Based Routing
32
33| Complexity | Indicators | Agent Configuration | Time |
34|------------|-----------|---------------------|------|
35| **Simple** | Single cause, 1-2 steps, clear path | Orchestrator only | <30s |
36| **Medium** | 3-5 factors, some ambiguity | + 1 Specialist (sequential) | 30-60s |
37| **Complex** | 5+ factors, high interdependencies | + 2-3 Specialists (parallel) | 60s+ |
38
39### Clear-Thought Tool Mapping
40
41| Method | Primary Tool | Secondary Tool |
42|--------|--------------|----------------|
43| **5 Why** | `sequentialthinking` | - |
44| **Fishbone** | `collaborativereasoning` | `visualreasoning` |
45| **First Principles** | `mentalmodel` | `sequentialthinking` |
46| **SWOT** | `decisionframework` | - |
47| **OODA Loop** | `scientificmethod` | `sequentialthinking` |
48| **Dialectic** | `structuredargumentation` | - |
49| **Design Thinking** | `collaborativereasoning` | `mentalmodel` |
50| **Pareto** | `decisionframework` | `mentalmodel` |
51| **PDCA** | `scientificmethod` | - |
52| **GAP Analysis** | `visualreasoning` | `decisionframework` |
53| **Kepner-Tregoe** | `decisionframework` | `structuredargumentation` |
54| **TRIZ** | `mentalmodel` | `designpattern` |
55| **SCAMPER** | `collaborativereasoning` | - |
56| **DMAIC** | `scientificmethod` | `metacognitivemonitoring` |
57
58---
59
60## Execution Routines
61
62### A. Divide & Conquer (Complex Only)
63
64**When**: Systemic problems with 5+ interdependent factors
65
66**Agent Flow**:
67```
68Orchestrator → ProblemDefiner → MethodExecutor(s) [parallel] → StrategyArchitect → Orchestrator
69```
70
71**Process**:
721. **Orchestrator**: Assess complexity, dispatch ProblemDefiner
732. **ProblemDefiner**: Define problem, decompose into ≤5 sub-problems
743. **MethodExecutor(s)**: Analyze sub-problems in parallel
75 - Each executor uses appropriate Clear-Thought tool
764. **StrategyArchitect**: Synthesize findings, create action plan
775. **Orchestrator**: Quality gate, final integration
78
79**Output**:
80```markdown
81## Problem Definition
82[Clear statement from ProblemDefiner]
83
84## Sub-Problem Analyses
85| Sub-Problem | Method | Root Cause | Recommendation |
86|-------------|--------|------------|----------------|
87| SP1 | [method] | [cause] | [action] |
88
89## Integrated Strategy
90[From StrategyArchitect]
91
92## Quality Assessment
93- Confidence: [%]
94- Uncertainties: [list]
95
96## Core Insight
97[One sentence]
98```
99
100---
101
102### B. Method Selection (All Cases)
103
104**When**: Any problem, especially Simple-Medium complexity
105
106**Agent Flow**:
107- Simple: Orchestrator only (direct method application)
108- Medium: Orchestrator → MethodExecutor → Orchestrator
109
110**Process**:
1111. **Classify** problem type
1122. **Select** method using matching matrix
1133. **Execute** with appropriate Clear-Thought tool
1144. **Output** optimized format
115
116**Method-Problem Matching**:
117
118| Problem Type | Methods | Clear-Thought Tool |
119|--------------|---------|-------------------|
120| root_cause | 5 Why, Fishbone | sequentialthinking, collaborativereasoning |
121| creative_innovation | SCAMPER, TRIZ, Design Thinking | collaborativereasoning, mentalmodel |
122| strategic_planning | SWOT + 2x2, GAP Analysis | decisionframework, visualreasoning |
123| process_improvement | Pareto, PDCA, GAP | decisionframework, scientificmethod |
124| decision_making | OODA Loop, Kepner-Tregoe | scientificmethod, decisionframework |
125
126---
127
128### C. Strategy Routine (Strategic Decisions)
129
130**When**: Strategic planning with strengths/weaknesses analysis
131
132**Agent Flow**:
133```
134Orchestrator → ProblemDefiner → MethodExecutor (SWOT) → StrategyArchitect → Orchestrator
135```
136
137**Process**:
1381. **Diagnose**: Strengths (with evidence) + Weaknesses (root cause via 5 Why)
1392. **Analyze**: Use `decisionframework` for SWOT evaluation
1403. **Strategize**: StrategyArchitect creates 2x2 matrix
1414. **Plan**: GAP Analysis → Action items
142
143**2x2 Matrix (MANDATORY)**:
144```
145 │ Maximize Strengths │ Address Weaknesses │
146───────────┼────────────────────┼────────────────────┤
147High │ DO FIRST │ REMOVE RISK │
148Priority │ (Invest now) │ (Critical fix) │
149───────────┼────────────────────┼────────────────────┤
150Low │ LONG-TERM R&D │ STRATEGIC IGNORE │
151Priority │ (Future bet) │ (Accept risk) │
152```
153
154**Core Strategy Template**:
155> "Maximize [strength] through [method], address [weakness] via [action], to achieve [goal]."
156
157---
158
159## Quality Gates
160
161| Gate | Stage | Check | Tool |
162|------|-------|-------|------|
163| G1 | Problem Definition | Clarity, specificity, boundedness | metacognitivemonitoring |
164| G2 | Method Selection | Problem-method fit | decisionframework |
165| G3 | Analysis | Depth, evidence, logic | metacognitivemonitoring |
166| G4 | Integration | Coherence, completeness, actionability | metacognitivemonitoring |
167
168**Gate Protocol**:
169- Complex: All gates mandatory
170- Medium: G2 + G4
171- Simple: G4 only
172
173---
174
175## Output Guidelines
176
177**Format Selection**:
178- Structured comparisons → Markdown tables
179- Sequential processes → Numbered lists
180- Problem decomposition → Mermaid diagrams
181- Strategic decisions → 2x2 Matrix
182
183**Always Include**:
184- Complexity assessment (pre-flight)
185- Method selection justification
186- Confidence score
187- One-sentence summary
188
189---
190
191## Quick Reference
192
193- **Agent Prompts**: [agents/](agents/)
194- **Method Catalog**: [reference/INDEX.md](reference/INDEX.md)
195- **60-sec Selector**: [reference/QUICK_SELECTOR.md](reference/QUICK_SELECTOR.md)
196- **Multi-Method Workflows**: [reference/METHOD_COMBINATIONS.md](reference/METHOD_COMBINATIONS.md)
197- **Agent Patterns**: [reference/AGENT_PATTERNS.md](reference/AGENT_PATTERNS.md)
198- **Practical Examples**: [GUIDE.md](GUIDE.md)
199
200---
201
202## Anti-Patterns
203
204| Pattern | Problem | Solution |
205|---------|---------|----------|
206| Over-engineering | A Routine for simple problems | Use complexity assessment |
207| Under-analysis | Simple method for complex problems | Proper routing |
208| Tool mismatch | Wrong Clear-Thought tool for method | Follow mapping table |
209| Skip quality gates | Missing validation | Enforce gate protocol |
210| Sequential when parallel | Slow complex analysis | Use parallel agents |
211
212---
213
214## Meta
215
216After analysis, briefly reflect:
217- What worked? What could improve?
218- Was method optimal? Was tool mapping effective?
219- Agent coordination smooth?