# Brainstorming

> Use when exploring design options or solving open-ended problems

- Skill: `tomevault-io/brainstorming-24` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add tomevault-io/brainstorming-24`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/tomevault-io/brainstorming-24/raw
- Safety review: pending (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: tomevault-io (https://skillmd.com/u/tomevault-io)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/tomevault-io/brainstorming-24

---


# Brainstorming Workflow

A structured approach to generating and evaluating ideas for design decisions.

## When to Use

- Starting a new feature with unclear requirements
- Choosing between multiple architectural approaches
- Solving a problem with no obvious solution
- Exploring trade-offs before committing to a direction

## Phase 1: Problem Definition

Clearly define what you're trying to solve:

1. **State the goal**: What should the end result accomplish?
2. **Identify constraints**: What limitations exist? (time, resources, compatibility)
3. **Define success criteria**: How will you know the solution works?
4. **List stakeholders**: Who cares about this decision?

**Template**:
```
Goal: [What we're trying to achieve]
Constraints: [Time, resources, compatibility requirements]
Success looks like: [Measurable outcomes]
Stakeholders: [Who is affected]
```

## Phase 2: Divergent Thinking

Generate as many ideas as possible without judgment:

1. **Quantity over quality**: Get all ideas out first
2. **No criticism yet**: All ideas are valid at this stage
3. **Build on ideas**: "Yes, and..." not "No, but..."
4. **Think unconventionally**: What would a beginner suggest? An expert?

**Techniques**:
- **SCAMPER**: Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to other uses, Eliminate, Rearrange
- **Reverse brainstorm**: How could we make this problem worse?
- **Analogy**: How do other domains solve similar problems?
- **Extreme scenarios**: What if we had unlimited time? Zero budget?

## Phase 3: Idea Organization

Group and structure the generated ideas:

1. **Categorize**: Group similar approaches together
2. **Identify themes**: What patterns emerge?
3. **Note dependencies**: Which ideas require others?
4. **Mark combinations**: Which ideas work well together?

## Phase 4: Convergent Thinking

Evaluate and narrow down options:

1. **Apply constraints**: Which ideas are actually feasible?
2. **Score against criteria**: Rate each option on success factors
3. **Identify risks**: What could go wrong with each approach?
4. **Consider effort vs impact**: Quick wins vs long-term investments

**Evaluation Matrix**:
```
| Option | Feasibility | Impact | Risk | Effort | Score |
|--------|-------------|--------|------|--------|-------|
| A      | High        | Medium | Low  | Low    | 8/10  |
| B      | Medium      | High   | Med  | High   | 6/10  |
```

## Phase 5: Decision

Make a choice and document the rationale:

1. **Select the approach**: Based on evaluation
2. **Document why**: Future you will thank you
3. **Note rejected alternatives**: And why they were rejected
4. **Identify next steps**: What's the immediate action?

**Decision Record Template**:
```
## Decision: [Title]

### Context
[What situation led to this decision]

### Options Considered
1. [Option A] - [Pros/Cons]
2. [Option B] - [Pros/Cons]
3. [Option C] - [Pros/Cons]

### Decision
[What we decided and why]

### Consequences
[What this decision means going forward]
```

## Anti-Patterns to Avoid

- **Premature convergence**: Deciding before exploring
- **Groupthink**: Not challenging popular ideas
- **Analysis paralysis**: Evaluating forever without deciding
- **Pet solutions**: Forcing a predetermined answer
- **Missing constraints**: Forgetting important limitations

---
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<!-- tomevault:4.0:skill_md:2026-04-11 -->