Claude-Code-Workflow/.claude/workflows/brainstorming-framework.md

Brainstorming Framework

Overview

Common creative techniques, execution modes, and quality standards for all brainstorming sessions.

Creative Techniques

SCAMPER Method

• Substitute: What can be substituted or replaced?
• Combine: What can be combined or merged?
• Adapt: What can be adapted from elsewhere?
• Modify: What can be magnified, minimized, or modified?
• Put to other uses: How else can this be used?
• Eliminate: What can be removed or simplified?
• Reverse: What can be rearranged or reversed?

Six Thinking Hats

• White Hat: Facts, information, data
• Red Hat: Emotions, feelings, intuition
• Black Hat: Critical judgment, caution, problems
• Yellow Hat: Optimism, benefits, positive thinking
• Green Hat: Creativity, alternatives, new ideas
• Blue Hat: Process control, meta-thinking

Additional Techniques

• Mind Mapping: Visual idea exploration and connection
• Brainstorming: Free-flowing idea generation
• Brainwriting: Silent idea generation and building
• Random Word: Stimulus-based creative thinking
• What If: Scenario-based exploration
• Assumption Challenging: Question fundamental assumptions

Execution Modes

Creative Mode (Default)

• Techniques: SCAMPER, Six Thinking Hats, wild ideas
• Focus: Innovation and unconventional solutions
• Approach:
  • Emphasize divergent thinking and wild ideas
  • Apply creative techniques extensively
  • Encourage "what if" thinking and assumption challenging
  • Focus on novel and unconventional solutions

Analytical Mode

• Techniques: Root cause analysis, data-driven insights
• Focus: Evidence-based systematic problem-solving
• Approach:
  • Use structured analysis frameworks
  • Apply root cause analysis and logical thinking
  • Emphasize evidence-based reasoning
  • Focus on systematic problem-solving

Strategic Mode

• Techniques: Systems thinking, scenario planning
• Focus: Long-term strategic positioning
• Approach:
  • Apply strategic thinking frameworks
  • Use systems thinking and long-term perspective
  • Consider competitive dynamics and market forces
  • Focus on strategic positioning and advantage

Brainstorming Session Protocol

Input Processing

Topic: [Challenge or opportunity description]
Mode: [creative|analytical|strategic]
Perspectives: [Selected role perspectives]
Context: [Current situation and constraints]

Execution Flow

1. Challenge Analysis → Define scope, constraints, success criteria
2. Perspective Setup → Establish role contexts and viewpoints
3. Ideation Phase → Generate ideas using appropriate techniques
4. Convergence Phase → Evaluate, synthesize, prioritize solutions
5. Documentation → Create structured session records

Documentation Standards

Session Summary Generation

Generate comprehensive session documentation including:

• Session metadata and configuration
• Challenge definition and scope
• Key insights and patterns
• Generated ideas with descriptions
• Perspective analysis from each role
• Evaluation and prioritization
• Recommendations and next steps

Idea Documentation

For each significant idea, create detailed documentation:

• Concept description and core mechanism
• Multi-perspective analysis and implications
• Feasibility assessment (technical, resource, timeline)
• Impact potential (user, business, technical)
• Implementation considerations and prerequisites
• Success metrics and validation approach
• Risk assessment and mitigation strategies

Output Format Standards

Brainstorming Session Output

BRAINSTORMING_SUMMARY: [Comprehensive session overview]
CHALLENGE_DEFINITION: [Clear problem space definition]
KEY_INSIGHTS: [Major discoveries and patterns]
IDEA_INVENTORY: [Structured list of all generated ideas]
TOP_CONCEPTS: [5 most promising solutions with analysis]
PERSPECTIVE_SYNTHESIS: [Integration of role-based insights]
FEASIBILITY_ASSESSMENT: [Technical and resource evaluation]
IMPACT_ANALYSIS: [Expected outcomes and benefits]
RECOMMENDATIONS: [Prioritized next steps and actions]
WORKFLOW_INTEGRATION: [If applicable, workflow handoff preparation]

Multi-Role Analysis Output

ROLE_COORDINATION: [How perspectives were integrated]
PERSPECTIVE_INSIGHTS: [Key insights from each role]
SYNTHESIS_RESULTS: [Combined perspective analysis]
CONFLICT_RESOLUTION: [How role conflicts were addressed]
COMPREHENSIVE_COVERAGE: [Confirmation all aspects considered]

Quality Standards

Effective Session Facilitation

• Clear Structure → Follow defined phases and maintain session flow
• Inclusive Participation → Ensure all perspectives are heard and valued
• Creative Environment → Maintain judgment-free ideation atmosphere
• Productive Tension → Balance creativity with practical constraints
• Actionable Outcomes → Generate concrete next steps and recommendations

Perspective Integration

• Authentic Representation → Accurately channel each role's mental models
• Balanced Coverage → Give appropriate attention to all perspectives
• Constructive Synthesis → Combine insights into stronger solutions
• Conflict Navigation → Address perspective tensions constructively
• Comprehensive Analysis → Ensure no critical aspects are overlooked

Documentation Quality

• Structured Capture → Organize insights and ideas systematically
• Clear Communication → Present complex ideas in accessible format
• Decision Support → Provide frameworks for evaluating options
• Implementation Ready → Prepare outputs for next development phases
• Traceability → Maintain clear links between ideas and analysis

Integration Guidelines

With Brainstorming Principles

This framework works in conjunction with @~/.claude/workflows/brainstorming-principles.md which defines:

• Project structure establishment
• Session initialization requirements
• Directory creation protocols
• Agent coordination standards

With Role Commands

Each role-specific brainstorm command implements this framework within their domain context:

• Applies appropriate techniques for their perspective
• Uses mode selection based on problem type
• Follows documentation standards
• Maintains quality criteria

---

This framework provides the common foundation for all brainstorming activities while allowing role-specific customization and focus.