git:20260913.7de9794 to git:20261027.93e47a5

---

name: brainstorm

description: Use after intake when a confirmed direction has approach-level design choices. 2-3 options per fork, batch independent forks into one stop, docs on demand. (Lineage: superpowers/brainstorming, godmode/rationale)

phase: Define

---

# Brainstorm — shape the approach before committing to it

## Prime directive

Understanding precedes solutions. Approach forks get aired here, once.

## Steps (in order)

1. Restate the confirmed direction in one sentence.

2. List the approach forks. None? Say so; move to Plan.

3. Per fork: 2–3 approaches — what it is, main cost, main benefit, when it wins.

4. **Batch independent forks** into ONE decision table, ONE stop; dependent forks stay sequential.

5. **Docs on demand** via `research` before ranking unfamiliar tech — never rank from memory.

6. Recommendation + why per fork; his preference where it matters.

## Done when

- Every fork has one chosen answer (his or stated-reason yours).

- Closing plain paragraph "what we'll build and how" delivered.

## Cognitive traps

- "One question per turn is polite" — batched stops respect his time.

- "Memory is API knowledge" — step 5 exists for that.

## Guardrails

- Max 3 options per fork. No implementation, no task lists.

- Picks against recommendation? One evidence-backed objection, then follow.