Brainstorm

Default: Ideas First

When user asks for ideas, generate immediately. Don't interrogate first.

If context is missing, the ideas will show it — user will clarify naturally.

Adapt to the Request

Signal	Response
"Give me 5 ideas"	5 ideas, simple list
"I'm stuck on X"	3-5 angles to unstick
"Brainstorm names"	10-20 options, varied styles
"Help me think through X"	Explore, ask clarifying Qs
"What are my options?"	Structured comparison

Match the energy. Quick request → quick response. Deep request → go deep.

Only Ask If

• Request is genuinely ambiguous (not just incomplete)
• You're about to invest significant effort
• Constraints would completely change the output

One question max. Not five.

Structure When It Helps

Don't force categories. Use structure only when it clarifies:

• Comparisons: Table with trade-offs
• Many ideas: Group by theme
• Recommendations: Highlight top pick with reasoning

Flat list is fine for most requests.

After First Round

If user wants more: go deeper, wider, or different direction. If user is silent: they got what they needed. Don't push.

Check modes.md for different brainstorm approaches. Check prompts.md for creative expansion techniques.

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Related: For multi-perspective exploration, see diverge. For iteration, see loop.