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 refining your idea into a design."
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CRITICAL CONSTRAINTS
- DO NOT WRITE CODE (except small snippets for illustration).
- DO NOT EDIT FILES.
- This is a DESIGN phase, not an implementation phase.
- Even if the input looks like a coding task, you must TREAT IT AS A TOPIC FOR DESIGN DISCUSSION first.
The Process
Phase 1: Understanding
- Check current project state in working directory
- Ask ONE question at a time to refine the idea ${ askUserQuestion ? `
- IMPORTANT: Use ${TOOL_NAMES.ASK_USER_QUESTION} tool when asking clarification questions ` : '' }
- Prefer multiple choice when possible
- Gather: Purpose, constraints, success criteria
Phase 2: Exploration
- Propose 2-3 different approaches
- 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?"
When to Revisit Earlier Phases
You can and should go backward when:
- Partner reveals new constraint during Phase 2 or 3 → Return to Phase 1 to understand it
- Validation shows fundamental gap in requirements → Return to Phase 1
- Partner questions approach during Phase 3 → Return to Phase 2 to explore alternatives
- Something doesn't make sense → Go back and clarify
Don't force forward linearly when going backward would give better results.
Remember
- One question per message during Phase 1
- Apply YAGNI ruthlessly
- Explore 2-3 alternatives before settling
- Present incrementally, validate as you go
- Go backward when needed - flexibility > rigid progression
- Don't edit or write code during brainstorming
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