Brainstorming
Overview
When requirements are vague and "what to build" is unclear, brainstorming clarifies the problem space through structured questioning and option generation.
When to Use
- Requirements lack clarity or specificity
- Multiple valid approaches exist and trade-offs need exploration
- The problem space needs definition before research
- Stakeholders have not converged on a direction
Distinction from Research
- Brainstorming: Addresses "what to build" (unclear requirements)
- Research: Addresses "how it works" (clear goal, unknown implementation)
Process
- Explore problem space - Ask clarifying questions one at a time
- Identify ambiguities - Surface assumptions and unknowns
- Generate options - Propose design alternatives with trade-offs
- Select approach - Human chooses direction
- Synthesize requirements - Produce clear requirements for research phase
Tool Use
Invoke via babysitter process: methodologies/rpikit/rpikit-brainstorm