brainstorming

Guides researchers through structured brainstorming to define research questions and design constraints.

11|2|Updated Feb 26, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/James-Traina/compound-science --skill brainstorming-james-traina
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: brainstorming
Source: https://github.com/James-Traina/compound-science/tree/main/skills/brainstorming
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/James-Traina/compound-science --skill brainstorming-james-traina

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Brainstorming sessions that help researchers articulate research intent, scope, and design decisions before planning estimation or identification tasks.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Structured Phase 0: assess requirement clarity to determine whether brainstorming is needed.
  • Phase 1: understand the idea by asking targeted questions and validating assumptions one at a time.
  • Phase 2: explore concrete methodological approaches and trade-offs.
  • Phase 3: capture the design in a concise design doc with next steps and open questions.
  • Phase 4: handoff to planning by providing clear options to proceed or iterate.

Quick Start

State your research objective and I will generate a focused brainstorming plan outlining the question, potential approaches, and next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions about brainstorming

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I define a research question and estimand before starting estimation?▼

A structured brainstorming session clarifies what to estimate by helping you articulate research intent, scope, and design constraints before committing to a specific estimation or identification methodology.

What is the best way to explore methodological trade-offs in research design?▼

Evaluating methodological trade-offs requires comparing concrete approaches against your target estimand. Structured brainstorming identifies viable options and captures objectives, assumptions, and next steps in a concise design document.

How do I structure brainstorming for robustness and identification planning?▼

Structuring brainstorming for robustness planning follows phased steps: assess requirement clarity, validate assumptions individually, explore methodological approaches, and capture the design with open questions for planning handoff.

When do I need structured brainstorming before planning a research methodology?▼

Structured brainstorming is needed when facing multiple viable approaches and trade-offs. A Phase 0 assessment checks requirement clarity to determine whether brainstorming is necessary before planning estimation or identification tasks.

Can I use this to handoff a research design doc to a planning workflow?▼

Yes, the brainstorming process captures your design in a concise document with objectives, assumptions, and next steps, enabling a direct handoff to a planning workflow to proceed or iterate.

What are the limitations of brainstorming for research design without clear requirements?▼

Without clear requirements, brainstorming risks exploring approaches before the core question is well-defined. The process includes a Phase 0 clarity assessment to prevent this and ensure the target estimand is correctly identified.