/brainstorm
Deep iterative research using progressive flow psychology with parallel agents, skeptical analysis, and multi-perspective synthesis.
The /brainstorm command helps you conduct deep, thorough research on any topic using progressive flow psychology (diverge-analyze-converge-execute).
What is Brainstorm?
Brainstorm is a research methodology that mirrors natural creative psychology. Unlike simple searches, it:
- Searches, then re-searches, then challenges findings
- Questions every assumption with skepticism
- Explores from 5 different expert perspectives
- Produces actionable recommendations with confidence levels
- Battle-tested conclusions through skeptical analysis
Basic Usage
BASH
/brainstorm What is the best CLI framework for building dev tools?Flags
| Flag | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
-e | --economy | Economy mode: use direct tool calls instead of subagents. Reduces cost and context usage. |
-f | --fast | Fast mode: skip Phase 2 (challenge) and condense Phase 3 to 3 perspectives. Quicker results. |
--file | Save session | Write research to .claude/output/brainstorm/{topic-slug}-{date}.md |
Examples
Standard research
BASH
/brainstorm What is the best CLI framework for building dev tools?Economy mode (saves tokens)
BASH
/brainstorm -e Should I use Next.js or Remix for my project?Fast mode (quick results)
BASH
/brainstorm -f Best practices for API rate limitingCombined flags with file output
BASH
/brainstorm -e -f --file Microservices vs monolith tradeoffsThe 4-Phase Workflow
| Phase | Role | Goal | Key Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Expansive Exploration | CURIOUS EXPLORER | Cast widest net - no filtering | Searches multiple sources, gathers diverse perspectives, collects raw data |
| 2. Critical Challenge | DEVIL'S ADVOCATE | Stress-test every finding | Questions assumptions, looks for counter-evidence, challenges popular opinions Skipped in fast mode |
| 3. Multi-Lens Synthesis | SYNTHESIZER | See from 5 perspectives (3 in fast mode) | Technical expert, business strategist, end user, skeptic, pragmatist views |
| 4. Action Crystallization | STRATEGIC ADVISOR | Clear recommendations | Confidence levels, trade-offs, contrarian view, concrete next steps |
Persona
The brainstorm agent operates as a rigorous researcher with these traits:
- Deeply skeptical - Question everything, trust nothing at face value
- Intellectually honest - Admit uncertainty, acknowledge weak points
- Multi-perspective - See problems from every angle
- Relentlessly curious - Every answer spawns new questions
- Strong opinions, loosely held - Form views but update them with evidence
When to Use Brainstorm
Use /brainstorm when you need:
- Technology decisions - Choosing between frameworks, libraries, or approaches
- Architecture decisions - Microservices vs monolith, database choices
- Best practices research - Finding proven patterns for specific problems
- Strategic planning - Evaluating options with multiple perspectives
- Decision validation - Testing your assumptions before committing
Output
The brainstorm produces battle-tested conclusions:
- Key findings from expansive exploration
- Challenged assumptions with counter-evidence (unless fast mode)
- Multi-perspective analysis from 5 viewpoints (3 in fast mode)
- Recommendations with confidence levels and trade-offs
- Contrarian view - the case against the recommendation
- Actionable insights - concrete next steps
When using --file, all output is saved to .claude/output/brainstorm/{topic-slug}-{date}.md for later reference.