Brainstorm

Facilitate structured ideation to explore options before commitment.

When to Use

• After vision is established, before PRD

• When multiple approaches seem viable

• When creative exploration is needed

• When stakeholders need to align on direction

Dependencies

• vision.md - Vision document must exist

• Check: projects/{project}/docs/vision.md

Book Triggers

Reference: [[books/thinking-rationality.md]]

• Apply "Scout Mindset" to explore genuinely, not confirm

• Use divergent-then-convergent thinking

Reference: [[books/product-innovation.md]]

• Apply "Inspired" discovery techniques

Brainstorming Protocol

Phase 1: Divergent (Generate)

Goal: Maximize option generation without judgment.

Set the frame

• Reference the vision document

• State the specific question being explored

• Set time limit for generation phase

Generate options

• Quantity over quality initially

• No criticism of ideas

• Build on others' ideas

• Include "crazy" ideas

Capture everything

• List all ideas without filtering

• Note who suggested what (if multi-agent)

Phase 2: Convergent (Evaluate)

Goal: Narrow to viable options.

Group similar ideas

• Cluster related approaches

• Name each cluster

Initial filter

• Does it address the vision's problem?

• Is it feasible given constraints?

• Remove obviously non-viable options

Deep evaluation

• Apply decision-making skill

• Consider tradeoffs

• Assess against success criteria

Phase 3: Synthesis

Goal: Arrive at recommendation.

• Shortlist (2-4 options)

• Compare systematically

• Recommend with rationale

• Document dissent

Brainstorm Output Template

Brainstorm: [Topic]

TLDR

[2-3 sentences: What we explored, what emerged as the leading direction, and why.]

Context

Vision: [Link to vision doc] Question: [Specific question being explored] Participants: [Who participated]

Ideas Generated

Category A: [Name]

• Idea 1
• Idea 2
• Idea 3

Category B: [Name]

• Idea 4
• Idea 5

Category C: [Name]

• Idea 6
• Idea 7

Evaluation

Shortlisted Options

Option 1: [Name]

• Description: [What it is]
• Pros: [Benefits]
• Cons: [Drawbacks]
• Fit with vision: [How well does it address the problem?]

Option 2: [Name]

• Description: [What it is]
• Pros: [Benefits]
• Cons: [Drawbacks]
• Fit with vision: [How well does it address the problem?]

Comparison Matrix

Recommendation

Recommended: [Option name] Rationale: [Why this option]

Dissent

[Any disagreements or concerns about the recommendation]

Next Steps

• Create PRD for recommended option
• [Other follow-up actions]

Output Location

projects/{project}/docs/brainstorm.md

Or for specific feature:

projects/{project}/docs/brainstorm-{feature}.md

Multi-Agent Brainstorming

When involving multiple agents:

Use facilitator skill

• Coordinate the session

• Ensure all perspectives heard

Assign perspectives

• Technical feasibility (CTO/Architect)

• User value (Product)

• Business impact (CMO/CEO)

• Risk (Conservative board member)

Structured rounds

• Round 1: Generate from your perspective

• Round 2: React to others' ideas

• Round 3: Synthesize and recommend

Quality Checklist

• Vision document referenced

• Multiple categories of ideas generated

• At least 2 options shortlisted

• Tradeoffs explicitly compared

• Recommendation has clear rationale

• Dissent documented if any

Anti-Patterns

• Premature convergence - Evaluating too early kills creativity

• Single option - Always explore alternatives

• Confirmation bias - Genuinely consider all options

• Ignoring constraints - Ideas must be feasible

• Missing dissent - Capture disagreements for record