# Brainstorming Ideas Into Designs

> Interactive idea refinement using Socratic method to develop fully-formed designs

- Skill: `obra/brainstorming-ideas-into-designs` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add obra/brainstorming-ideas-into-designs`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/obra/brainstorming-ideas-into-designs/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: Jesse Vincent (obra) (https://skillmd.com/u/obra)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/obra/brainstorming-ideas-into-designs

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# Brainstorming Ideas Into Designs

## Overview

Transform rough ideas into fully-formed designs through structured questioning and alternative exploration.

**Core principle:** Ask questions to understand, explore alternatives, present design incrementally for validation.

**Announce at start:** "I'm using the Brainstorming skill to refine your idea into a design."

## The Process

### Phase 1: Understanding
- Check current project state in working directory
- Ask ONE question at a time to refine the idea
- Prefer multiple choice when possible
- Gather: Purpose, constraints, success criteria

### Phase 2: Exploration
- Propose 2-3 different approaches (reference skills/coding/exploring-alternatives)
- For each: Core architecture, trade-offs, complexity assessment
- Ask your human partner which approach resonates

### Phase 3: Design Presentation
- Present in 200-300 word sections
- Cover: Architecture, components, data flow, error handling, testing
- Ask after each section: "Does this look right so far?"

### Phase 4: Worktree Setup (for implementation)
When design is approved and implementation will follow:
- Announce: "I'm using the Using Git Worktrees skill to set up an isolated workspace."
- Switch to skills/collaboration/using-git-worktrees
- Follow that skill's process for directory selection, safety verification, and setup
- Return here when worktree ready

### Phase 5: Planning Handoff
Ask: "Ready to create the implementation plan?"

When your human partner confirms (any affirmative response):
- Announce: "I'm using the Writing Plans skill to create the implementation plan."
- Switch to skills/collaboration/writing-plans skill
- Create detailed plan in the worktree

## Remember
- One question per message during Phase 1
- Apply YAGNI ruthlessly (reference skills/architecture/reducing-complexity)
- Explore 2-3 alternatives before settling
- Present incrementally, validate as you go
- Announce skill usage at start