idea-capture

Formats raw ideas into structured, retrievable knowledge artifacts linked to dissertation sections.

1|Updated Jun 20, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/RHuebner1972/doctoral-second-brain --skill idea-capture-rhuebner1972
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: idea-capture
Source: https://github.com/RHuebner1972/doctoral-second-brain/tree/main/skills/idea-capture
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/RHuebner1972/doctoral-second-brain --skill idea-capture-rhuebner1972

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve? Doctoral learners have generative ideas at unpredictable moments, but unrecorded ideas evaporate and unstructured notes pile up into noise. This Skill turns a rough idea into a formatted, classified, and filed knowledge artifact in under two minutes. ## Core Features & Use Cases - Structured Capture Template: Formats any raw idea with date, type, dissertation connection, potential use, status, and next action fields. - Idea Classification: Categorizes entries as research, methodology, writing, framework, question, or connection ideas with examples for each type. - Filing Recommendations: Routes each idea to the right location, such as the knowledge gap journal, chapter parking lots, or theoretical framework notes. - Use Case: You think of a new member-checking strategy during your commute. Capture it in one sentence, and the Skill classifies it as a methodology idea, links it to Chapter 3, and files it in the Chapter 3 parking lot with a next action. ## Quick Start Capture this idea before I forget it: what if I used focus groups for member checking instead of individual follow-up interviews?

Frequently Asked Questions about idea-capture

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I capture research ideas quickly without losing them?▼

State the idea in one sentence without polishing it, then apply the capture template with date, type, connection, potential use, status, and next action. Speed matters more than polish; refinement happens after the idea is safely recorded.

What types of ideas can this capture format handle?▼

The format handles six idea types: research, methodology, writing, framework, question, and connection ideas. Each type has a recommended filing destination, such as the Chapter 3 parking lot for methodology ideas or the knowledge gap journal for questions.

Should I develop an idea immediately after capturing it?▼

No. The capture-don't-chase rule says to record the idea and return to your current work, since chasing it breaks session focus. Development happens in a later session using prompts like what would need to be true for this to work.

When should a captured idea be flagged to my dissertation chair?▼

Flag an idea when it represents a new direction that changes your research scope rather than a refinement of existing work. Research ideas that alter the population, gap, or questions warrant a note to your chair.

What are the limitations of quick idea capture?▼

Quick capture prioritizes speed over depth, so entries may have blank fields and undeveloped thinking. It does not evaluate idea quality or feasibility; that assessment requires a separate development or review session.