Brainstorm

Structured brainstorming that explores a topic from multiple angles and converges on actionable options.

Arguments

• /brainstorm <topic> — full brainstorm with 3 parallel agents
• /brainstorm --quick <topic> — inline fast brainstorm (no agents, for simple decisions)
• /brainstorm --deep <topic> — 5 agents (+Security Analyst, +UX Advocate)
• /brainstorm --code — focus on code architecture (reads codebase for context)

Workflow

Step 1: Frame the Problem

1. Restate the user's challenge in clear terms
2. Identify constraints: technical, business, quality
3. If in a project directory, scan codebase for relevant context

Step 2: Diverge — Generate Ideas (3 Parallel Agents)

Launch 3 agents simultaneously:

Agent 1 — Pragmatist

"Propose 2-3 solutions optimizing for speed of delivery, simplicity, and maintainability. Use boring, proven technology. For each: approach, pros/cons, effort (S/M/L)."

Agent 2 — Innovator

"Propose 2-3 unconventional or cutting-edge solutions. Think new patterns, emerging tools, or approaches from other domains. For each: approach, pros/cons, effort."

Agent 3 — Critic

"What are the hidden risks? What will break at scale? What will be painful to maintain? Produce 5-7 critical questions any solution must address."

Step 3: Converge — Synthesize

## Ideas Map
### Option A: [Name]
**Approach:** ... | **Pros:** ... | **Cons:** ...
**Effort:** S/M/L | **Risk:** Low/Med/High

## Critical Questions
(from Critic — apply to ALL options)

## Comparison Matrix
| Criteria        | Option A | Option B | Option C |
|-----------------|----------|----------|----------|
| Effort          | S        | M        | L        |
| Risk            | Low      | Med      | High     |
| Scalability     | ★★★      | ★★★★     | ★★★★★    |
| Time to ship    | 1 week   | 3 weeks  | 6 weeks  |

Step 4: Recommend

1. Recommended option with reasoning
2. Runner-up and when you'd pick it instead
3. Next steps — concrete action items

Step 5: Discuss

Offer to go deeper on any option or kick off /feature-dev / /prd-creator.

Quick Mode (--quick)

Skip agents. Inline: 3-5 options in table, score each, recommend one.

Deep Mode (--deep)

Add: Security Analyst (auth, data exposure, compliance) and UX Advocate (complexity, learning curve, accessibility).

Rules

• Ground ideas in the project's actual tech stack and constraints
• Include effort estimates — ideas without estimates aren't actionable
• The Critic's questions must be answered by the recommendation
• Don't dismiss "boring" solutions — they often win
• End with concrete next steps, not just analysis