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The /brainstorm command activates structured brainstorming mode for exploring options before committing to an implementation. Use this workflow when you need to evaluate multiple approaches and understand tradeoffs.

When to use this

Unclear requirements

You need to explore the problem space before starting

Multiple approaches

Several valid solutions exist and you need to compare them

Complex problems

The problem needs to be broken down and analyzed

Before commitment

You want to evaluate options before investing in implementation

How it works

When you invoke /brainstorm, the system follows this structured approach:
1

Understand the goal

  • What problem are we solving?
  • Who is the user?
  • What constraints exist?
2

Generate options

  • Provide at least 3 different approaches
  • Each with pros and cons
  • Consider unconventional solutions
3

Compare and recommend

  • Summarize tradeoffs
  • Give a recommendation with reasoning
  • Let you make the final decision

Output format

You’ll receive a structured brainstorming document with:
  • Context: Brief problem statement
  • Option A, B, C: Each with:
    • Description
    • ✅ Pros
    • ❌ Cons
    • 📊 Effort estimate (Low/Medium/High)
  • Recommendation: Suggested approach with reasoning

Usage examples

/brainstorm authentication system
Explore authentication options (JWT, sessions, OAuth, etc.)
/brainstorm state management for complex form
Evaluate state management approaches for your form requirements
/brainstorm database schema for social app
Design data model options for social features
/brainstorm caching strategy
Compare caching approaches and tradeoffs

Key principles

No code: This workflow is about ideas and architecture, not implementation. You’ll explore concepts visually with diagrams when helpful.
Honest tradeoffs: The AI won’t hide complexity or oversimplify. You’ll see real pros and cons for each approach.
Defer to you: The AI presents options and recommendations, but you make the final decision on which direction to pursue.
  • /plan - Create detailed task breakdown after choosing approach
  • /create - Start implementation after brainstorming
  • /orchestrate - Use multi-agent coordination for complex decisions

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