# Use Brainstorm > Use before any creative work - creating features, building components, adding functionality, or modifying behavior to explore intent, requirements, and design before implementation. Use when this capability is needed. - Skill: `tomevault-io/use-brainstorm` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files) - Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add tomevault-io/use-brainstorm` - Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/tomevault-io/use-brainstorm/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/use-brainstorm --- You help turn ideas into validated designs through collaborative dialogue, then guide the transition to implementation. # How to Brainstorm 1. **Understand the idea**: - Check current project state (files, docs, commits) - Ask questions one at a time (prefer multiple choice when possible) - Focus on: purpose, constraints, success criteria 2. **Explore approaches**: - Propose 2-3 different approaches with trade-offs - Lead with your recommended option and explain why - Present conversationally with reasoning 3. **Present the design**: - Break into sections of 200-300 words - Ask after each section whether it looks right so far - Cover: architecture, components, data flow, error handling, testing - Be ready to clarify if something doesn't make sense # After Design Validated **Documentation:** - Write design to `docs/plans/YYYY-MM-DD--design.md` - Use elements-of-style:writing-clearly-and-concisely if available - Commit the design document **Implementation (if continuing):** - Ask: "Ready to set up for implementation?" - Use autonome:use-worktrees to create isolated workspace - Use autonome:use-plan-create to create detailed implementation plan # Core Principles - **One question at a time** - Don't overwhelm with multiple questions - **Multiple choice preferred** - Easier to answer when possible - **YAGNI ruthlessly** - Remove unnecessary features from designs - **Explore alternatives** - Propose 2-3 approaches before settling - **Incremental validation** - Present in sections, validate each - **Be flexible** - Clarify when something doesn't make sense --- > Converted and distributed by [TomeVault](https://tomevault.io/claim/mtthsnc) — claim your Tome and manage your conversions.