bmad-method 6.0.0-alpha.2 → 6.0.0-alpha.20

package/src/core/tasks/workflow.xml

@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-<task id="bmad/core/tasks/workflow.xml" name="Execute Workflow">
+<task id="_bmad/core/tasks/workflow.xml" name="Execute Workflow">
   <objective>Execute given workflow by loading its configuration, following instructions, and producing output</objective>
 
   <llm critical="true">
@@ -6,15 +6,14 @@
     <mandate>Instructions are MANDATORY - either as file path, steps or embedded list in YAML, XML or markdown</mandate>
     <mandate>Execute ALL steps in instructions IN EXACT ORDER</mandate>
     <mandate>Save to template output file after EVERY "template-output" tag</mandate>
-    <mandate>NEVER delegate a step - YOU are responsible for every steps execution</mandate>
+    <mandate>NEVER skip a step - YOU are responsible for every steps execution without fail or excuse</mandate>
   </llm>
 
   <WORKFLOW-RULES critical="true">
     <rule n="1">Steps execute in exact numerical order (1, 2, 3...)</rule>
     <rule n="2">Optional steps: Ask user unless #yolo mode active</rule>
-    <rule n="3">Template-output tags: Save content → Show user → Get approval before continuing</rule>
-    <rule n="4">Elicit tags: Execute immediately unless #yolo mode (which skips ALL elicitation)</rule>
-    <rule n="5">User must approve each major section before continuing UNLESS #yolo mode active</rule>
+    <rule n="3">Template-output tags: Save content, discuss with the user the section completed, and NEVER proceed until the users indicates
+      to proceed (unless YOLO mode has been activated)</rule>
   </WORKFLOW-RULES>
 
   <flow>
@@ -44,7 +43,7 @@
       </substep>
     </step>
 
-    <step n="2" title="Process Each Instruction Step">
+    <step n="2" title="Process Each Instruction Step in Order">
       <iterate>For each step in instructions:</iterate>
 
       <substep n="2a" title="Handle Step Attributes">
@@ -61,27 +60,34 @@
           <tag>action xml tag → Perform the action</tag>
           <tag>check if="condition" xml tag → Conditional block wrapping actions (requires closing &lt;/check&gt;)</tag>
           <tag>ask xml tag → Prompt user and WAIT for response</tag>
-          <tag>invoke-workflow xml tag → Execute another workflow with given inputs</tag>
+          <tag>invoke-workflow xml tag → Execute another workflow with given inputs and the workflow.xml runner</tag>
           <tag>invoke-task xml tag → Execute specified task</tag>
+          <tag>invoke-protocol name="protocol_name" xml tag → Execute reusable protocol from protocols section</tag>
           <tag>goto step="x" → Jump to specified step</tag>
         </execute-tags>
       </substep>
 
-      <substep n="2c" title="Handle Special Output Tags">
+      <substep n="2c" title="Handle template-output Tags">
         <if tag="template-output">
           <mandate>Generate content for this section</mandate>
           <mandate>Save to file (Write first time, Edit subsequent)</mandate>
-          <action>Show checkpoint separator: ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━</action>
           <action>Display generated content</action>
-          <ask>Continue [c] or Edit [e]? WAIT for response</ask>
-        </if>
-
-        <if tag="elicit-required">
-          <mandate critical="true">YOU MUST READ the file at {project-root}/bmad/core/tasks/adv-elicit.xml using Read tool BEFORE presenting
-            any elicitation menu</mandate>
-          <action>Load and run task {project-root}/bmad/core/tasks/adv-elicit.xml with current context</action>
-          <action>Show elicitation menu 5 relevant options (list 1-5 options, Continue [c] or Reshuffle [r])</action>
-          <mandate>HALT and WAIT for user selection</mandate>
+          <ask> [a] Advanced Elicitation, [c] Continue, [p] Party-Mode, [y] YOLO the rest of this document only. WAIT for response. <if
+              response="a">
+              <action>Start the advanced elicitation workflow {project-root}/_bmad/core/tasks/advanced-elicitation.xml</action>
+            </if>
+            <if
+              response="c">
+              <action>Continue to next step</action>
+            </if>
+            <if response="p">
+              <action>Start the party-mode workflow {project-root}/_bmad/core/workflows/party-mode/workflow.yaml</action>
+            </if>
+            <if
+              response="y">
+              <action>Enter #yolo mode for the rest of the workflow</action>
+            </if>
+          </ask>
         </if>
       </substep>
 
@@ -92,16 +98,15 @@
     </step>
 
     <step n="3" title="Completion">
-      <check>If checklist exists → Run validation</check>
-      <check>If template: false → Confirm actions completed</check>
-      <check>Else → Confirm document saved to output path</check>
+      <check>Confirm document saved to output path</check>
       <action>Report workflow completion</action>
     </step>
   </flow>
 
   <execution-modes>
-    <mode name="normal">Full user interaction at all decision points</mode>
-    <mode name="#yolo">Skip optional sections, skip all elicitation, minimize prompts</mode>
+    <mode name="normal">Full user interaction and confirmation of EVERY step at EVERY template output - NO EXCEPTIONS except yolo MODE</mode>
+    <mode name="yolo">Skip all confirmations and elicitation, minimize prompts and try to produce all of the workflow automatically by
+      simulating the remaining discussions with an simulated expert user</mode>
   </execution-modes>
 
   <supported-tags desc="Instructions can use these tags">
@@ -116,51 +121,115 @@
       <tag>action - Required action to perform</tag>
       <tag>action if="condition" - Single conditional action (inline, no closing tag needed)</tag>
       <tag>check if="condition"&gt;...&lt;/check&gt; - Conditional block wrapping multiple items (closing tag required)</tag>
-      <tag>ask - Get user input (wait for response)</tag>
+      <tag>ask - Get user input (ALWAYS wait for response before continuing)</tag>
       <tag>goto - Jump to another step</tag>
       <tag>invoke-workflow - Call another workflow</tag>
       <tag>invoke-task - Call a task</tag>
+      <tag>invoke-protocol - Execute a reusable protocol (e.g., discover_inputs)</tag>
     </execution>
     <output>
       <tag>template-output - Save content checkpoint</tag>
-      <tag>elicit-required - Trigger enhancement</tag>
       <tag>critical - Cannot be skipped</tag>
       <tag>example - Show example output</tag>
     </output>
   </supported-tags>
 
-  <conditional-execution-patterns desc="When to use each pattern">
-    <pattern type="single-action">
-      <use-case>One action with a condition</use-case>
-      <syntax>&lt;action if="condition"&gt;Do something&lt;/action&gt;</syntax>
-      <example>&lt;action if="file exists"&gt;Load the file&lt;/action&gt;</example>
-      <rationale>Cleaner and more concise for single items</rationale>
-    </pattern>
-
-    <pattern type="multi-action-block">
-      <use-case>Multiple actions/tags under same condition</use-case>
-      <syntax>&lt;check if="condition"&gt;
-  &lt;action&gt;First action&lt;/action&gt;
-  &lt;action&gt;Second action&lt;/action&gt;
-&lt;/check&gt;</syntax>
-      <example>&lt;check if="validation fails"&gt;
-  &lt;action&gt;Log error&lt;/action&gt;
-  &lt;goto step="1"&gt;Retry&lt;/goto&gt;
-&lt;/check&gt;</example>
-      <rationale>Explicit scope boundaries prevent ambiguity</rationale>
-    </pattern>
-
-    <pattern type="nested-conditions">
-      <use-case>Else/alternative branches</use-case>
-      <syntax>&lt;check if="condition A"&gt;...&lt;/check&gt;
-&lt;check if="else"&gt;...&lt;/check&gt;</syntax>
-      <rationale>Clear branching logic with explicit blocks</rationale>
-    </pattern>
-  </conditional-execution-patterns>
+  <protocols desc="Reusable workflow protocols that can be invoked via invoke-protocol tag">
+    <protocol name="discover_inputs" desc="Smart file discovery and loading based on input_file_patterns">
+      <objective>Intelligently load project files (whole or sharded) based on workflow's input_file_patterns configuration</objective>
+
+      <critical>Only execute if workflow.yaml contains input_file_patterns section</critical>
+
+      <flow>
+        <step n="1" title="Parse Input File Patterns">
+          <action>Read input_file_patterns from loaded workflow.yaml</action>
+          <action>For each pattern group (prd, architecture, epics, etc.), note the load_strategy if present</action>
+        </step>
+
+        <step n="2" title="Load Files Using Smart Strategies">
+          <iterate>For each pattern in input_file_patterns:</iterate>
+
+          <substep n="2a" title="Try Sharded Documents First">
+            <check if="sharded pattern exists">
+              <action>Determine load_strategy from pattern config (defaults to FULL_LOAD if not specified)</action>
+
+              <strategy name="FULL_LOAD">
+                <desc>Load ALL files in sharded directory - used for PRD, Architecture, UX, brownfield docs</desc>
+                <action>Use glob pattern to find ALL .md files (e.g., "{output_folder}/*architecture*/*.md")</action>
+                <action>Load EVERY matching file completely</action>
+                <action>Concatenate content in logical order (index.md first if exists, then alphabetical)</action>
+                <action>Store in variable: {pattern_name_content}</action>
+              </strategy>
+
+              <strategy name="SELECTIVE_LOAD">
+                <desc>Load specific shard using template variable - example: used for epics with {{epic_num}}</desc>
+                <action>Check for template variables in sharded_single pattern (e.g., {{epic_num}})</action>
+                <action>If variable undefined, ask user for value OR infer from context</action>
+                <action>Resolve template to specific file path</action>
+                <action>Load that specific file</action>
+                <action>Store in variable: {pattern_name_content}</action>
+              </strategy>
+
+              <strategy name="INDEX_GUIDED">
+                <desc>Load index.md, analyze structure and description of each doc in the index, then intelligently load relevant docs</desc>
+                <mandate>DO NOT BE LAZY - use best judgment to load documents that might have relevant information, even if only a 5% chance</mandate>
+                <action>Load index.md from sharded directory</action>
+                <action>Parse table of contents, links, section headers</action>
+                <action>Analyze workflow's purpose and objective</action>
+                <action>Identify which linked/referenced documents are likely relevant</action>
+                <example>If workflow is about authentication and index shows "Auth Overview", "Payment Setup", "Deployment" → Load auth
+                  docs, consider deployment docs, skip payment</example>
+                <action>Load all identified relevant documents</action>
+                <action>Store combined content in variable: {pattern_name_content}</action>
+                <note>When in doubt, LOAD IT - context is valuable, being thorough is better than missing critical info</note>
+              </strategy>
+              <action>Mark pattern as RESOLVED, skip to next pattern</action>
+            </check>
+          </substep>
+
+          <substep n="2b" title="Try Whole Document if No Sharded Found">
+            <check if="no sharded matches found OR no sharded pattern exists">
+              <action>Attempt glob match on 'whole' pattern (e.g., "{output_folder}/*prd*.md")</action>
+              <check if="matches found">
+                <action>Load ALL matching files completely (no offset/limit)</action>
+                <action>Store content in variable: {pattern_name_content} (e.g., {prd_content})</action>
+                <action>Mark pattern as RESOLVED, skip to next pattern</action>
+              </check>
+            </check>
+          </substep>
+
+          <substep n="2c" title="Handle Not Found">
+            <check if="no matches for sharded OR whole">
+              <action>Set {pattern_name_content} to empty string</action>
+              <action>Note in session: "No {pattern_name} files found" (not an error, just unavailable, offer use change to provide)</action>
+            </check>
+          </substep>
+        </step>
+
+        <step n="3" title="Report Discovery Results">
+          <action>List all loaded content variables with file counts</action>
+          <example>
+            ✓ Loaded {prd_content} from 5 sharded files: prd/index.md, prd/requirements.md, ...
+            ✓ Loaded {architecture_content} from 1 file: Architecture.md
+            ✓ Loaded {epics_content} from selective load: epics/epic-3.md
+            ○ No ux_design files found
+          </example>
+          <note>This gives workflow transparency into what context is available</note>
+        </step>
+      </flow>
+
+    </protocol>
+  </protocols>
 
   <llm final="true">
-    <mandate>This is the complete workflow execution engine</mandate>
-    <mandate>You MUST Follow instructions exactly as written and maintain conversation context between steps</mandate>
-    <mandate>If confused, re-read this task, the workflow yaml, and any yaml indicated files</mandate>
+    <critical-rules>
+      • This is the complete workflow execution engine
+      • You MUST Follow instructions exactly as written
+      • The workflow execution engine is governed by: {project-root}/_bmad/core/tasks/workflow.xml
+      • You MUST have already loaded and processed: {installed_path}/workflow.yaml
+      • This workflow uses INTENT-DRIVEN PLANNING - adapt organically to product type and context
+      • YOU ARE FACILITATING A CONVERSATION With a user to produce a final document step by step. The whole process is meant to be
+      collaborative helping the user flesh out their ideas. Do not rush or optimize and skip any section.
+    </critical-rules>
   </llm>
-</task>
+</task> 

package/src/core/tools/shard-doc.xml

@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-<tool id="bmad/core/tasks/shard-doc" name="Shard Document"
+<tool id="_bmad/core/tasks/shard-doc" name="Shard Document"
   description="Splits large markdown documents into smaller, organized files based on level 2 (default) sections" webskip="true"
   standalone="true">
   <objective>Split large markdown documents into smaller, organized files based on level 2 sections using @kayvan/markdown-tree-parser tool</objective>
@@ -12,28 +12,18 @@
   </llm>
 
   <critical-context>
-    <i>This task ONLY supports automated sharding via @kayvan/markdown-tree-parser</i>
-    <i>The tool automatically handles: section splitting, heading level adjustment, code block detection, index generation</i>
-    <i>All markdown formatting is preserved during sharding</i>
+    <i>Uses `npx @kayvan/markdown-tree-parser` to automatically shard documents by level 2 headings and generate an index</i>
   </critical-context>
 
   <flow>
-    <step n="1" title="Verify Tool Installation">
-      <action>Check if @kayvan/markdown-tree-parser is installed globally</action>
-      <action>Run: npm list -g @kayvan/markdown-tree-parser</action>
-      <action if="not installed">Inform user that tool needs to be installed</action>
-      <action if="not installed">Run: npm install -g @kayvan/markdown-tree-parser</action>
-      <action if="installation fails">HALT with error message about npm/node requirements</action>
-    </step>
-
-    <step n="2" title="Get Source Document">
+    <step n="1" title="Get Source Document">
       <action>Ask user for the source document path if not provided already</action>
       <action>Verify file exists and is accessible</action>
       <action>Verify file is markdown format (.md extension)</action>
       <action if="file not found or not markdown">HALT with error message</action>
     </step>
 
-    <step n="3" title="Get Destination Folder">
+    <step n="2" title="Get Destination Folder">
       <action>Determine default destination: same location as source file, folder named after source file without .md extension</action>
       <action>Example: /path/to/architecture.md → /path/to/architecture/</action>
       <action>Ask user for the destination folder path ([y] to confirm use of default: [suggested-path], else enter a new path)</action>
@@ -44,21 +34,21 @@
       <action if="permission denied">HALT with error message</action>
     </step>
 
-    <step n="4" title="Execute Sharding">
+    <step n="3" title="Execute Sharding">
       <action>Inform user that sharding is beginning</action>
-      <action>Execute command: md-tree explode [source-document] [destination-folder]</action>
+      <action>Execute command: `npx @kayvan/markdown-tree-parser explode [source-document] [destination-folder]`</action>
       <action>Capture command output and any errors</action>
       <action if="command fails">HALT and display error to user</action>
     </step>
 
-    <step n="5" title="Verify Output">
+    <step n="4" title="Verify Output">
       <action>Check that destination folder contains sharded files</action>
       <action>Verify index.md was created in destination folder</action>
       <action>Count the number of files created</action>
       <action if="no files created">HALT with error message</action>
     </step>
 
-    <step n="6" title="Report Completion">
+    <step n="5" title="Report Completion">
       <action>Display completion report to user including:</action>
       <i>- Source document path and name</i>
       <i>- Destination folder path</i>
@@ -67,34 +57,53 @@
       <i>- Any tool output or warnings</i>
       <action>Inform user that sharding completed successfully</action>
     </step>
+
+    <step n="6" title="Handle Original Document">
+      <critical>Keeping both the original and sharded versions defeats the purpose of sharding and can cause confusion</critical>
+      <action>Present user with options for the original document:</action>
+
+      <ask>What would you like to do with the original document `[source-document-name]`?
+
+        Options:
+        [d] Delete - Remove the original (recommended - shards can always be recombined)
+        [m] Move to archive - Move original to a backup/archive location
+        [k] Keep - Leave original in place (NOT recommended - defeats sharding purpose)
+
+        Your choice (d/m/k):</ask>
+
+      <check if="user selects 'd' (delete)">
+        <action>Delete the original source document file</action>
+        <action>Confirm deletion to user: "✓ Original document deleted: [source-document-path]"</action>
+        <note>The document can be reconstructed from shards by concatenating all section files in order</note>
+      </check>
+
+      <check if="user selects 'm' (move)">
+        <action>Determine default archive location: same directory as source, in an "archive" subfolder</action>
+        <action>Example: /path/to/architecture.md → /path/to/archive/architecture.md</action>
+        <ask>Archive location ([y] to use default: [default-archive-path], or provide custom path):</ask>
+        <action if="user accepts default">Use default archive path</action>
+        <action if="user provides custom path">Use custom archive path</action>
+        <action>Create archive directory if it doesn't exist</action>
+        <action>Move original document to archive location</action>
+        <action>Confirm move to user: "✓ Original document moved to: [archive-path]"</action>
+      </check>
+
+      <check if="user selects 'k' (keep)">
+        <action>Display warning to user:</action>
+        <output>⚠️ WARNING: Keeping both original and sharded versions is NOT recommended.
+
+          This creates confusion because:
+          - The discover_inputs protocol may load the wrong version
+          - Updates to one won't reflect in the other
+          - You'll have duplicate content taking up space
+
+          Consider deleting or archiving the original document.</output>
+        <action>Confirm user choice: "Original document kept at: [source-document-path]"</action>
+      </check>
+    </step>
   </flow>
 
   <halt-conditions critical="true">
-    <i>HALT if @kayvan/markdown-tree-parser cannot be installed</i>
-    <i>HALT if Node.js or npm is not available</i>
-    <i>HALT if source document does not exist or is inaccessible</i>
-    <i>HALT if source document is not markdown format (.md)</i>
-    <i>HALT if destination folder cannot be created</i>
-    <i>HALT if user does not have write permissions to destination</i>
-    <i>HALT if md-tree explode command fails</i>
-    <i>HALT if no output files were created</i>
+    <i>HALT if npx command fails or produces no output files</i>
   </halt-conditions>
-
-  <tool-info>
-    <name>@kayvan/markdown-tree-parser</name>
-    <command>md-tree explode [source-document] [destination-folder]</command>
-    <installation>npm install -g @kayvan/markdown-tree-parser</installation>
-    <requirements>
-      <i>Node.js installed</i>
-      <i>npm package manager</i>
-      <i>Global npm installation permissions</i>
-    </requirements>
-    <features>
-      <i>Automatic section splitting by level 2 headings</i>
-      <i>Automatic heading level adjustment</i>
-      <i>Handles edge cases (code blocks, diagrams)</i>
-      <i>Generates navigable index.md</i>
-      <i>Preserves all markdown formatting</i>
-    </features>
-  </tool-info>
 </tool>

package/src/core/workflows/brainstorming/brain-methods.csv

@@ -1,36 +1,62 @@
-category,technique_name,description,facilitation_prompts,best_for,energy_level,typical_duration
-collaborative,Yes And Building,Build momentum through positive additions where each idea becomes a launching pad for the next - creates energetic collaborative flow,Yes and we could also...|Building on that idea...|That reminds me of...|What if we added?,team-building,high,15-20
-collaborative,Brain Writing Round Robin,Silent idea generation followed by building on others' written concepts - gives quieter voices equal contribution while maintaining documentation,Write your idea silently|Pass to the next person|Build on what you received|Keep ideas flowing,quiet-voices,moderate,20-25
-collaborative,Random Stimulation,Use random words/images as creative catalysts to force unexpected connections - breaks through mental blocks with serendipitous inspiration,Pick a random word/image|How does this relate?|What connections do you see?|Force a relationship
-collaborative,Role Playing,Generate solutions from multiple stakeholder perspectives - builds empathy while ensuring comprehensive consideration of all viewpoints,Think as a [role]|What would they want?|How would they approach this?|What matters to them?
-creative,What If Scenarios,Explore radical possibilities by questioning all constraints and assumptions - perfect for breaking through stuck thinking and discovering unexpected opportunities,What if we had unlimited resources?|What if the opposite were true?|What if this problem didn't exist?,innovation,high,15-20
-creative,Analogical Thinking,Find creative solutions by drawing parallels to other domains - helps transfer successful patterns from one context to another,This is like what?|How is this similar to...?|What other examples come to mind?
-creative,Reversal Inversion,Deliberately flip problems upside down to reveal hidden assumptions and fresh angles - great when conventional approaches aren't working,What if we did the opposite?|How could we make this worse?|What's the reverse approach?
-creative,First Principles Thinking,Strip away assumptions to rebuild from fundamental truths - essential for breakthrough innovation and solving complex problems,What do we know for certain?|What are the fundamental truths?|If we started from scratch?
-creative,Forced Relationships,Connect unrelated concepts to spark innovative bridges - excellent for generating unexpected solutions through creative collision,Take these two unrelated things|Find connections between them|What bridges exist?|How could they work together?
-creative,Time Shifting,Explore how solutions would work across different time periods - reveals constraints and opportunities by changing temporal context,How would this work in the past?|What about 100 years from now?|Different era constraints?|Time-based solutions?
-creative,Metaphor Mapping,Use extended metaphors as thinking tools to explore problems from new angles - transforms abstract challenges into tangible narratives,This problem is like a [metaphor]|Extend the metaphor|What elements map over?|What insights emerge?
-deep,Five Whys,Drill down through layers of causation to uncover root causes - essential for solving problems at their source rather than treating symptoms,Why did this happen?|Why is that?|And why is that true?|What's behind that?|Why ultimately?,problem-solving,moderate,10-15
-deep,Morphological Analysis,Systematically explore all possible parameter combinations - perfect for complex systems requiring comprehensive solution mapping,What are the key parameters?|List options for each|Try different combinations|What patterns emerge?
-deep,Provocation Technique,Use deliberately provocative statements to extract useful ideas from seemingly absurd starting points - catalyzes breakthrough thinking,What if [provocative statement]?|How could this be useful?|What idea does this trigger?|Extract the principle
-deep,Assumption Reversal,Challenge and flip core assumptions to rebuild from new foundations - essential for paradigm shifts and fresh perspectives,What assumptions are we making?|What if the opposite were true?|Challenge each assumption|Rebuild from new assumptions
-deep,Question Storming,Generate questions before seeking answers to properly define the problem space - ensures you're solving the right problem,Only ask questions|No answers allowed yet|What don't we know?|What should we be asking?
-introspective_delight,Inner Child Conference,Channel pure childhood curiosity and wonder - rekindles playful exploration and innocent questioning that cuts through adult complications,What would 7-year-old you ask?|Why why why?|Make it fun again|No boring allowed
-introspective_delight,Shadow Work Mining,Explore what you're actively avoiding or resisting - uncovers hidden insights by examining unconscious blocks and resistance patterns,What are you avoiding?|Where's the resistance?|What scares you about this?|Mine the shadows
-introspective_delight,Values Archaeology,Excavate the deep personal values driving your decisions - clarifies authentic priorities by digging to bedrock motivations,What really matters here?|Why do you care?|Dig to bedrock values|What's non-negotiable?
-introspective_delight,Future Self Interview,Seek wisdom from your wiser future self - gains long-term perspective through imagined temporal self-mentoring,Ask your 80-year-old self|What would you tell younger you?|Future wisdom speaks|Long-term perspective
-introspective_delight,Body Wisdom Dialogue,Let physical sensations and gut feelings guide ideation - taps somatic intelligence often ignored by purely mental approaches,What does your body say?|Where do you feel it?|Trust the tension|Follow physical cues
-structured,SCAMPER Method,Systematic creativity through seven lenses (Substitute/Combine/Adapt/Modify/Put/Eliminate/Reverse) - ideal for methodical product improvement and innovation,S-What could you substitute?|C-What could you combine?|A-How could you adapt?|M-What could you modify?|P-Put to other uses?|E-What could you eliminate?|R-What if reversed?
-structured,Six Thinking Hats,Explore problems through six distinct perspectives (facts/emotions/benefits/risks/creativity/process) - ensures comprehensive analysis without conflict,White-What facts do we know?|Red-How do you feel about this?|Yellow-What are the benefits?|Black-What could go wrong?|Green-What creative alternatives?|Blue-How should we think about this?
-structured,Mind Mapping,Visually branch ideas from a central concept to discover connections and expand thinking - perfect for organizing complex thoughts and seeing the big picture,Put the main idea in center|What branches from this?|How do these connect?|What sub-branches emerge?
-structured,Resource Constraints,Generate innovative solutions by imposing extreme limitations - forces essential priorities and creative efficiency under pressure,What if you had only $1?|No technology allowed?|One hour to solve?|Minimal resources only?
-theatrical,Time Travel Talk Show,Interview your past/present/future selves for temporal wisdom - playful method for gaining perspective across different life stages,Interview your past self|What would future you say?|Different timeline perspectives|Cross-temporal dialogue
-theatrical,Alien Anthropologist,Examine familiar problems through completely foreign eyes - reveals hidden assumptions by adopting an outsider's bewildered perspective,You're an alien observer|What seems strange?|How would you explain this?|Outside perspective insights
-theatrical,Dream Fusion Laboratory,Start with impossible fantasy solutions then reverse-engineer practical steps - makes ambitious thinking actionable through backwards design,Dream the impossible solution|Work backwards to reality|What steps bridge the gap?|Make magic practical
-theatrical,Emotion Orchestra,Let different emotions lead separate brainstorming sessions then harmonize - uses emotional intelligence for comprehensive perspective,Angry perspective ideas|Joyful approach|Fearful considerations|Hopeful solutions|Harmonize all voices
-theatrical,Parallel Universe Cafe,Explore solutions under alternative reality rules - breaks conventional thinking by changing fundamental assumptions about how things work,Different physics universe|Alternative social norms|Changed historical events|Reality rule variations
-wild,Chaos Engineering,Deliberately break things to discover robust solutions - builds anti-fragility by stress-testing ideas against worst-case scenarios,What if everything went wrong?|Break it on purpose|How does it fail gracefully?|Build from the rubble
-wild,Guerrilla Gardening Ideas,Plant unexpected solutions in unlikely places - uses surprise and unconventional placement for stealth innovation,Where's the least expected place?|Plant ideas secretly|Grow solutions underground|Surprise implementation
-wild,Pirate Code Brainstorm,Take what works from anywhere and remix without permission - encourages rule-bending rapid prototyping and maverick thinking,What would pirates steal?|Remix without asking|Take the best and run|No permission needed
-wild,Zombie Apocalypse Planning,Design solutions for extreme survival scenarios - strips away all but essential functions to find core value,Society collapsed - now what?|Only basics work|Build from nothing|Survival mode thinking
-wild,Drunk History Retelling,Explain complex ideas with uninhibited simplicity - removes overthinking barriers to find raw truth through simplified expression,Explain it like you're tipsy|No filter needed|Raw unedited thoughts|Simplify to absurdity
+category,technique_name,description
+collaborative,Yes And Building,"Build momentum through positive additions where each idea becomes a launching pad - use prompts like 'Yes and we could also...' or 'Building on that idea...' to create energetic collaborative flow that builds upon previous contributions"
+collaborative,Brain Writing Round Robin,"Silent idea generation followed by building on others' written concepts - gives quieter voices equal contribution while maintaining documentation through the sequence of writing silently, passing ideas, and building on received concepts"
+collaborative,Random Stimulation,"Use random words/images as creative catalysts to force unexpected connections - breaks through mental blocks with serendipitous inspiration by asking how random elements relate, what connections exist, and forcing relationships"
+collaborative,Role Playing,"Generate solutions from multiple stakeholder perspectives to build empathy while ensuring comprehensive consideration - embody different roles by asking what they want, how they'd approach problems, and what matters most to them"
+collaborative,Ideation Relay Race,"Rapid-fire idea building under time pressure creates urgency and breakthroughs - structure with 30-second additions, quick building on ideas, and fast passing to maintain creative momentum and prevent overthinking"
+creative,What If Scenarios,"Explore radical possibilities by questioning all constraints and assumptions - perfect for breaking through stuck thinking using prompts like 'What if we had unlimited resources?' 'What if the opposite were true?' or 'What if this problem didn't exist?'"
+creative,Analogical Thinking,"Find creative solutions by drawing parallels to other domains - transfer successful patterns by asking 'This is like what?' 'How is this similar to...' and 'What other examples come to mind?' to connect to existing solutions"
+creative,Reversal Inversion,"Deliberately flip problems upside down to reveal hidden assumptions and fresh angles - great when conventional approaches fail by asking 'What if we did the opposite?' 'How could we make this worse?' and 'What's the reverse approach?'"
+creative,First Principles Thinking,"Strip away assumptions to rebuild from fundamental truths - essential for breakthrough innovation by asking 'What do we know for certain?' 'What are the fundamental truths?' and 'If we started from scratch?'"
+creative,Forced Relationships,"Connect unrelated concepts to spark innovative bridges through creative collision - take two unrelated things, find connections between them, identify bridges, and explore how they could work together to generate unexpected solutions"
+creative,Time Shifting,"Explore solutions across different time periods to reveal constraints and opportunities by asking 'How would this work in the past?' 'What about 100 years from now?' 'Different era constraints?' and 'What time-based solutions apply?'"
+creative,Metaphor Mapping,"Use extended metaphors as thinking tools to explore problems from new angles - transforms abstract challenges into tangible narratives by asking 'This problem is like a metaphor,' extending the metaphor, and mapping elements to discover insights"
+creative,Cross-Pollination,"Transfer solutions from completely different industries or domains to spark breakthrough innovations by asking how industry X would solve this, what patterns work in field Y, and how to adapt solutions from domain Z"
+creative,Concept Blending,"Merge two or more existing concepts to create entirely new categories - goes beyond simple combination to genuine innovation by asking what emerges when concepts merge, what new category is created, and how the blend transcends original ideas"
+creative,Reverse Brainstorming,"Generate problems instead of solutions to identify hidden opportunities and unexpected pathways by asking 'What could go wrong?' 'How could we make this fail?' and 'What problems could we create?' to reveal solution insights"
+creative,Sensory Exploration,"Engage all five senses to discover multi-dimensional solution spaces beyond purely analytical thinking by asking what ideas feel, smell, taste, or sound like, and how different senses engage with the problem space"
+deep,Five Whys,"Drill down through layers of causation to uncover root causes - essential for solving problems at source rather than symptoms by asking 'Why did this happen?' repeatedly until reaching fundamental drivers and ultimate causes"
+deep,Morphological Analysis,"Systematically explore all possible parameter combinations for complex systems requiring comprehensive solution mapping - identify key parameters, list options for each, try different combinations, and identify emerging patterns"
+deep,Provocation Technique,"Use deliberately provocative statements to extract useful ideas from seemingly absurd starting points - catalyzes breakthrough thinking by asking 'What if provocative statement?' 'How could this be useful?' 'What idea triggers?' and 'Extract the principle'"
+deep,Assumption Reversal,"Challenge and flip core assumptions to rebuild from new foundations - essential for paradigm shifts by asking 'What assumptions are we making?' 'What if the opposite were true?' 'Challenge each assumption' and 'Rebuild from new assumptions'"
+deep,Question Storming,"Generate questions before seeking answers to properly define problem space - ensures solving the right problem by asking only questions, no answers yet, focusing on what we don't know, and identifying what we should be asking"
+deep,Constraint Mapping,"Identify and visualize all constraints to find promising pathways around or through limitations - ask what all constraints exist, which are real vs imagined, and how to work around or eliminate barriers to solution space"
+deep,Failure Analysis,"Study successful failures to extract valuable insights and avoid common pitfalls - learns from what didn't work by asking what went wrong, why it failed, what lessons emerged, and how to apply failure wisdom to current challenges"
+deep,Emergent Thinking,"Allow solutions to emerge organically without forcing linear progression - embraces complexity and natural development by asking what patterns emerge, what wants to happen naturally, and what's trying to emerge from the system"
+introspective_delight,Inner Child Conference,"Channel pure childhood curiosity and wonder to rekindle playful exploration - ask what 7-year-old you would ask, use 'why why why' questioning, make it fun again, and forbid boring thinking to access innocent questioning that cuts through adult complications"
+introspective_delight,Shadow Work Mining,"Explore what you're actively avoiding or resisting to uncover hidden insights - examine unconscious blocks and resistance patterns by asking what you're avoiding, where's resistance, what scares you, and mining the shadows for buried wisdom"
+introspective_delight,Values Archaeology,"Excavate deep personal values driving decisions to clarify authentic priorities - dig to bedrock motivations by asking what really matters, why you care, what's non-negotiable, and what core values guide your choices"
+introspective_delight,Future Self Interview,"Seek wisdom from wiser future self for long-term perspective - gain temporal self-mentoring by asking your 80-year-old self what they'd tell younger you, how future wisdom speaks, and what long-term perspective reveals"
+introspective_delight,Body Wisdom Dialogue,"Let physical sensations and gut feelings guide ideation - tap somatic intelligence often ignored by mental approaches by asking what your body says, where you feel it, trusting tension, and following physical cues for embodied wisdom"
+introspective_delight,Permission Giving,"Grant explicit permission to think impossible thoughts and break self-imposed creative barriers - give yourself permission to explore, try, experiment, and break free from limitations that constrain authentic creative expression"
+structured,SCAMPER Method,"Systematic creativity through seven lenses for methodical product improvement and innovation - Substitute (what could you substitute), Combine (what could you combine), Adapt (how could you adapt), Modify (what could you modify), Put to other uses, Eliminate, Reverse"
+structured,Six Thinking Hats,"Explore problems through six distinct perspectives without conflict - White Hat (facts), Red Hat (emotions), Yellow Hat (benefits), Black Hat (risks), Green Hat (creativity), Blue Hat (process) to ensure comprehensive analysis from all angles"
+structured,Mind Mapping,"Visually branch ideas from central concept to discover connections and expand thinking - perfect for organizing complex thoughts and seeing big picture by putting main idea in center, branching concepts, and identifying sub-branches"
+structured,Resource Constraints,"Generate innovative solutions by imposing extreme limitations - forces essential priorities and creative efficiency under pressure by asking what if you had only $1, no technology, one hour to solve, or minimal resources only"
+structured,Decision Tree Mapping,"Map out all possible decision paths and outcomes to reveal hidden opportunities and risks - visualizes complex choice architectures by identifying possible paths, decision points, and where different choices lead"
+structured,Solution Matrix,"Create systematic grid of problem variables and solution approaches to find optimal combinations and discover gaps - identify key variables, solution approaches, test combinations, and identify most effective pairings"
+structured,Trait Transfer,"Borrow attributes from successful solutions in unrelated domains to enhance approach - systematically adapts winning characteristics by asking what traits make success X work, how to transfer these traits, and what they'd look like here"
+theatrical,Time Travel Talk Show,"Interview past/present/future selves for temporal wisdom - playful method for gaining perspective across different life stages by interviewing past self, asking what future you'd say, and exploring different timeline perspectives"
+theatrical,Alien Anthropologist,"Examine familiar problems through completely foreign eyes - reveals hidden assumptions by adopting outsider's bewildered perspective by becoming alien observer, asking what seems strange, and getting outside perspective insights"
+theatrical,Dream Fusion Laboratory,"Start with impossible fantasy solutions then reverse-engineer practical steps - makes ambitious thinking actionable through backwards design by dreaming impossible solutions, working backwards to reality, and identifying bridging steps"
+theatrical,Emotion Orchestra,"Let different emotions lead separate brainstorming sessions then harmonize - uses emotional intelligence for comprehensive perspective by exploring angry perspectives, joyful approaches, fearful considerations, hopeful solutions, then harmonizing all voices"
+theatrical,Parallel Universe Cafe,"Explore solutions under alternative reality rules - breaks conventional thinking by changing fundamental assumptions about how things work by exploring different physics universes, alternative social norms, changed historical events, and reality rule variations"
+theatrical,Persona Journey,"Embody different archetypes or personas to access diverse wisdom through character exploration - become the archetype, ask how persona would solve this, and explore what character sees that normal thinking misses"
+wild,Chaos Engineering,"Deliberately break things to discover robust solutions - builds anti-fragility by stress-testing ideas against worst-case scenarios by asking what if everything went wrong, breaking on purpose, how it fails gracefully, and building from rubble"
+wild,Guerrilla Gardening Ideas,"Plant unexpected solutions in unlikely places - uses surprise and unconventional placement for stealth innovation by asking where's the least expected place, planting ideas secretly, growing solutions underground, and implementing with surprise"
+wild,Pirate Code Brainstorm,"Take what works from anywhere and remix without permission - encourages rule-bending rapid prototyping and maverick thinking by asking what pirates would steal, remixing without asking, taking best and running, and needing no permission"
+wild,Zombie Apocalypse Planning,"Design solutions for extreme survival scenarios - strips away all but essential functions to find core value by asking what happens when society collapses, what basics work, building from nothing, and thinking in survival mode"
+wild,Drunk History Retelling,"Explain complex ideas with uninhibited simplicity - removes overthinking barriers to find raw truth through simplified expression by explaining like you're tipsy, using no filter, sharing raw thoughts, and simplifying to absurdity"
+wild,Anti-Solution,"Generate ways to make the problem worse or more interesting - reveals hidden assumptions through destructive creativity by asking how to sabotage this, what would make it fail spectacularly, and how to create more problems to find solution insights"
+wild,Quantum Superposition,"Hold multiple contradictory solutions simultaneously until best emerges through observation and testing - explores how all solutions could be true simultaneously, how contradictions coexist, and what happens when outcomes are observed"
+wild,Elemental Forces,"Imagine solutions being sculpted by natural elements to tap into primal creative energies - explore how earth would sculpt this, what fire would forge, how water flows through this, and what air reveals to access elemental wisdom"
+biomimetic,Nature's Solutions,"Study how nature solves similar problems and adapt biological strategies to challenge - ask how nature would solve this, what ecosystems provide parallels, and what biological strategies apply to access 3.8 billion years of evolutionary wisdom"
+biomimetic,Ecosystem Thinking,"Analyze problem as ecosystem to identify symbiotic relationships, natural succession, and ecological principles - explore symbiotic relationships, natural succession application, and ecological principles for systems thinking"
+biomimetic,Evolutionary Pressure,"Apply evolutionary principles to gradually improve solutions through selective pressure and adaptation - ask how evolution would optimize this, what selective pressures apply, and how this adapts over time to harness natural selection wisdom"
+quantum,Observer Effect,"Recognize how observing and measuring solutions changes their behavior - uses quantum principles for innovation by asking how observing changes this, what measurement effects matter, and how to use observer effect advantageously"
+quantum,Entanglement Thinking,"Explore how different solution elements might be connected regardless of distance - reveals hidden relationships by asking what elements are entangled, how distant parts affect each other, and what hidden connections exist between solution components"
+quantum,Superposition Collapse,"Hold multiple potential solutions simultaneously until constraints force single optimal outcome - leverages quantum decision theory by asking what if all options were possible, what constraints force collapse, and which solution emerges when observed"
+cultural,Indigenous Wisdom,"Draw upon traditional knowledge systems and indigenous approaches overlooked by modern thinking - ask how specific cultures would approach this, what traditional knowledge applies, and what ancestral wisdom guides us to access overlooked problem-solving methods"
+cultural,Fusion Cuisine,"Mix cultural approaches and perspectives like fusion cuisine - creates innovation through cultural cross-pollination by asking what happens when mixing culture A with culture B, what cultural hybrids emerge, and what fusion creates"
+cultural,Ritual Innovation,"Apply ritual design principles to create transformative experiences and solutions - uses anthropological insights for human-centered design by asking what ritual would transform this, how to make it ceremonial, and what transformation this needs"
+cultural,Mythic Frameworks,"Use myths and archetypal stories as frameworks for understanding and solving problems - taps into collective unconscious by asking what myth parallels this, what archetypes are involved, and how mythic structure informs solution"